Sodium Metabisulfite for Food and Industrial Applications
Oxidation Control, Yield Preservation and Product Quality Protection
When oxidation causes colour loss, reduced production yield or deterioration of product characteristics, controlling these processes becomes critical to manufacturing profitability. Sodium Metabisulphite (E223) is used in starch processing, food production and winemaking to stabilize technological processes and protect product quality.
For manufacturers, its value is determined not by purchase price alone but by its impact on yield, product quality retention and reduction of production losses. Consequently, selecting the appropriate product directly influences overall financial performance.
Available Options

Formula
Na₂S₂O₅
CAS Number
7681-57-4
EC Number
231-673-0
Synonyms
sodium metabisulfite; sodium metabisulphite; sodium pyrosulfite; sodium pyrosulphite; sodium disulfite; sodium disulphite
E Number
E223
INS Number
INS 223
Functional Class
preservative; antioxidant; bleaching agent
Selection Criteria
Common Selection Mistakes and Risks
Typical Production Challenges
How the Product Supports the Process
Typical Industrial Applications
Economics of Product Selection
Molecular SO₂ = free SO₂ / (1 + 10^(pH − 1.8)).
The performance of sodium metabisulphite depends on the amount of active SO₂ available within the process.
In winemaking, pH determines the proportion of free SO₂ present in molecular form. As pH increases, higher free SO₂ levels are required to achieve the same protective effect.
In starch processing, results are reflected in starch whiteness, product yield, fraction separation efficiency and batch consistency.
Key process chain:
active SO₂ → oxidation control → colour, whiteness and raw material stability → product yield and quality.
Key process indicators:
• free SO₂;
• molecular SO₂;
• process pH;
• SO₂ dosage;
• starch whiteness;
• colour stability;
• product yield;
• batch-to-batch consistency.
FAQ
Why Is Sodium Metabisulphite Used in Starch Production?
Метабісульфіт натрію
What Factors Influence the Effectiveness of Oxidation Control?
The effectiveness of oxidation control depends on several factors, including reagent quality, dosing accuracy, process conditions, and the characteristics of the raw material being processed. Parameters such as temperature, residence time, and the level of oxidative stress within the process can also influence performance. For this reason, sodium metabisulphite should be evaluated as part of the overall process rather than as an isolated input.
Why Is Consistent SO₂ Content Between Batches Important?
Consistent SO₂ content helps ensure accurate dosing and predictable performance in processes where sodium metabisulphite is used as a source of sulphur dioxide. Variations in active content may require process adjustments and can affect the repeatability of production results. Reliable batch-to-batch consistency supports stable process control and helps maintain consistent product quality.
Why Is Product Price Not the Most Important Selection Criterion?
In starch production and other oxidation-sensitive applications, the cost of the reagent is often only a small part of the overall process economics. Reduced starch whiteness, lower production yield, or additional process adjustments can create losses that significantly exceed any savings achieved through a lower purchase price. For this reason, specialists typically evaluate the impact of sodium metabisulphite on product quality, process stability, and production performance rather than comparing price alone.
What Problems Can Arise from Inconsistent Reagent Quality?
Inconsistent reagent quality can lead to variations in process performance, the need for dosing adjustments, and reduced control over oxidation-sensitive operations. In starch production and similar applications, these variations may affect product whiteness and process stability. Consistent sodium metabisulphite quality helps support predictable results and reliable manufacturing performance.
What Information Should Be Provided for Product Selection?
To recommend the most suitable sodium metabisulphite product, it is helpful to understand the type of production process, expected consumption volumes, and any documentation or compliance requirements. Information about the intended application, process conditions, and quality expectations may also be relevant. Providing these details helps ensure that the selected product aligns with operational, regulatory, and production requirements.
Regulatory References
REACH
REACH registered / compliant
CLP
Acute Tox. 4 H302; Eye Dam. 1 H318; EUH031
UN Number
not applicable
ADR Class
not applicable
HS Code
2832100000
GNG Code
283210
ETSNV Code
48381
DKPP Code
20.13.4
Applicable Standards
E223; Codex INS 223; FCC


