Sulfite
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[[Image:Sulfite-ion-3D-vdW.png|thumb|right|200px|A [[space-filling model]] of the sulfite [[Ion#Anion|anion]].]]
[[Image:Sulfite-ion-2D-dimensions.png|thumb|right|200px|The structure of the sulfite anion]]
'''Sulfites''' (also '''sulphites''') are [[chemical compound|compounds]] that contain the sulfite [[ion]] [[sulfur|S]][[oxygen|O]]<sub>3</sub><sup>2−</sup>.
==Commercial use in wine==
Sulfites occur naturally in almost all wines. They are also added to wine as [[preservative]]s to prevent spoilage and [[oxidation]].
In the [[United States|US]], wine bottled after mid-[[1987]] must have a label stating that they contain sulfites if they contain more than 10 parts per million.<ref name="Breton">Breton, Félicien: [http://www.frenchscout.com/organic-wines#sulfites Many organic wines contain sulfites]</ref>
In the [[European Union|EU]] an equivalent regulation came into force in November [[2005]].<ref>{{cite web | publisher = [[European Commission]] | title = Food Labeling - Community Legislation | url = http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/labellingnutrition/foodlabelling/comm_legisl_en.htm | accessdate = 2007-09-10}}</ref> [[organic food|Organic]] wines are not necessarily sulfite-free.<ref name="Breton" />
==Commercial use in other food==
Sulfites are often used as [[preservative]]s in [[dried fruit]]s, and dried [[potato]] products.
Most [[beer]]s no longer contain sulfites. Although [[shrimp]] is sometimes treated with sulfites on fishing vessels, the chemical may not appear on the label. In [[1986]], the [[Food and Drug Administration]] in the [[United States]] banned the addition of sulfites to all fresh fruit and vegetables which are usually eaten raw.
==Health risks==
Sulfites are sometimes added to foods to act as enhancers or preservatives. They may come in various forms, such as:<ref name=webmd>{{cite web | publisher = [[WebMD]] | title = Allergies: Sulfite Sensitivity | url = http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/sulfite-sensitivity | date = 1 Feb 07 | accessdate = 2007-09-10}}</ref>
* [[Sulfur dioxide]]
* [[Potassium bisulfite]] or [[potassium metabisulfite]]
* [[Sodium bisulfite]], [[sodium metabisulfite]] or [[sodium sulfite]]
Some humans are allergic to sulfites. It is an undeclared allergen that may cause breathing difficulty within minutes after eating a food containing sulfites.<ref name="About.com">{{cite web | publisher = [[About.com]] | title = Allergies - Sulfite Allergies | url = http://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/a/sulfites.htm | accessdate = 2008-02-15}}{{Verify credibility|date=April 2008}}</ref> [[Asthma]]tics and people with allergies to [[aspirin]] (also known as [[salicylate sensitivity]]) are at an elevated risk for reaction to sulfites.<ref name="About.com" /> The reaction can be fatal and requires immediate treatment at an emergency room, and can include [[sneezing]], swelling of the [[throat]], and [[hives]]. Those who are allergic to sulfites are urged to avoid products that could contain them.
{{see also|Anaphylaxis}}
==See also==
*[[sulfur|S]][[oxygen|O]]<sub>5</sub><sup>2−</sup> [[peroxomonosulfate|persulfate]] ion
*[[sulfur|S]][[oxygen|O]]<sub>4</sub><sup>2−</sup> [[sulfate]] ion
*[[sulfur|S]][[oxygen|O]]<sub>2</sub><sup>2−</sup> [[hyposulfite]] ion
*[[sulfur|S]]<sub>2</sup>[[oxygen|O]]<sub>3</sub><sup>2−</sup> [[thiosulfate]] ion
*[[:Category:Sulfites|Category:Sulfites]] for a list of sulfites.
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.morethanorganic.com/sulphur-in-the-bottle ''sulfites in wine'' at morethanorganic.com]
*[http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/wh-alrg1.html Food allergies rare but risky] ([[Food and Drug Administration]])
*[http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_108.html Is there any danger from sulfites in wine?] ([[The Straight Dope]])
*[http://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/a/sulfites.htm Sulfite Allergy] ([[about.com]])
*[http://www.washingtonwinemaker.com/blog/2007/05/08/measuring-sulfite/ Using sulfites in homemade wine]
*[http://tablascreek.typepad.com/tablas/2008/01/sulfites-in-win.html Blog post analyzing] the impact of sulfite regulations on wineries and consumers from Tablas Creek Vineyard
[[Category:Oxoanions]]
[[Category:Sulfites|*]]
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