Sodium Hydrosulphite Uses In Food

Sodium hydrosulfite, also known as sodium dithionite, is a white crystalline powder that is commonly used as a reducing agent in many industrial applications, including textile, paper, and leather industries. In the food industry, it is used as a food additive for various purposes, such as a bleaching agent for flour, a reducing agent for caramel color, a preservative for fruits and vegetables, and a flavor enhancer.

When used as a bleaching agent for flour, sodium hydrosulfite reacts with the carotenoid pigments in wheat flour to produce a whiter flour. It is added to flour during the milling process, and any residual amount in the final product is considered safe for human consumption.

As a reducing agent for caramel color, sodium hydrosulfite helps to reduce the level of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a potential carcinogen that can form during the production of caramel color.

Sodium hydrosulfite is also used as a preservative for fruits and vegetables by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and molds. However, its use for this purpose is limited due to the risk of discoloration and loss of nutritional value in the treated foods.

Overall, sodium hydrosulfite is considered safe for use in food when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices and within the established limits set by regulatory agencies.