Sodium metabisulfite is a white crystalline compound that releases sulfur dioxide when dissolved in water. It is produced by reacting sodium hydroxide with sulfur dioxide under controlled conditions.
In the food industry, sodium metabisulfite is widely used as a preservative and antioxidant to prevent enzymatic and non-enzymatic browning in fruits, vegetables, and seafood. It also serves as a bleaching agent in starches, sugar processing, and flour treatment. In winemaking, sodium metabisulfite is an essential antimicrobial and antioxidant agent used throughout the vinification and bottling process.
