Sodium Metabisulfite – BASF

The primary benefits are as a preservative and anti-caking agent, effectively inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, yeast, and mold in food. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant, preventing food discoloration, such as preventing fruits and vegetables from darkening, preventing enzymatic browning, and preserving the natural color of products. It also functions as a bleaching agent and is used in other industries such as textiles, water treatment, and some pharmaceuticals.

Benefits in the Food Industry:

• Preservative: Inhibits the growth of yeast, mold, and bacteria to extend the shelf life of various types of food, such as fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, and candied fruits.
• Antioxidant: Prevents discoloration of fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, rambutan, bananas, guavas, and peeled seafood, preserving their aroma, color, and taste.
• Bleaching Agent: Used to bleach food to make it appear whiter and more appealing, such as white sugar, ginger, bamboo shoots, and vermicelli.
• Food Preservation: Helps maintain the natural color of fruits and prevents mold growth.

Benefits in Other Industries:

• Textile Industry: Used as a reducing agent to bleach and brighten fibers.
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Industry: Helps remove residual oxygen and chlorine from water. Or used to remove dissolved copper in wastewater.
• Pharmaceutical industry: As an excipient in some tablets, such as paracetamol.
• Other industries: Used as a cleaning agent in soaps, cosmetics, and as a fungicide for consumer goods such as clothing and shoes.