Preservative (INS 220) may induce allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to it like asthmatic attacks, headache and nausea.(1) It is difficult to metabolise by those with impaired kidney function.(2) It's presence in foods greatly reduces vitamin B1 uptake, which can lead to many health problems, such as chronic headache and temporary memory loss.(3)
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Description
Preservative (INS 220) popularly known as Sulphur dioxide is a food additive that is used as a food and wine preservative. It's main role is to prevent enzymatic and bacterial spoilage of food products. The use of sulphur dioxide goes back to the Roman times, where they would use it to help preserve wine. Preservative (INS 220) is a colourless gas that is formed when sulphur is burned. It is thus most effective in acidic foods. It is ineffective in foods with neutral pH. Preservative (INS 220) also has bleaching effects,hence it is used in some foods like flour to prevent discolouration. Since, it is considered as an allergen, it has been made mandatory by the government to indicate its addition, on the label of a product (under Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers), where the level exceeds 10mg/kg or 10mg/L (expressed as SO2).