Potassium Metabisulfite · Preservative & Antioxidant for Wine, Juice & Food Processing (E224)
Potassium metabisulfite (E224) is a widely used food-grade preservative and antioxidant that releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) in aqueous systems. It helps control unwanted microorganisms and manage oxidation in wine and cider production, fruit juices and concentrates, and selected food applications such as dried fruit processing and pickling (where permitted). Because sulfites are tightly regulated and must be declared on labels above defined thresholds, correct dosing, monitoring and compliance are essential. Atlas Global Trading Co. supplies potassium metabisulfite from qualified producers with COA, technical documentation and reliable global logistics.
Potassium metabisulfite is often paired with process hygiene, filtration and oxygen management strategies, and may be used alongside other preservative systems depending on product category and local regulations. Explore the full Preservatives portfolio or browse our Product Index (A–Z) for complementary preservatives and antioxidants.
E224 potassium metabisulfite: controlled SO2 release for stability and shelf life
In aqueous solutions, potassium metabisulfite generates sulfite/bisulfite species that provide antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Its performance depends strongly on pH (which affects the proportion of molecular SO2), product composition, oxygen exposure and process conditions. For beverage producers, managing free and total SO2 is a core part of quality control and regulatory compliance.
Key characteristics
- Chemical identity: potassium metabisulfite (K2S2O5).
- E-number: E224 (potassium metabisulfite).
- Functional roles:
- Antimicrobial: helps inhibit yeasts, molds and bacteria in susceptible products (effect depends on pH and conditions).
- Antioxidant: helps reduce oxidative browning and flavor deterioration by binding oxygen-reactive species.
- Process protection: supports stability during storage, transport and packaging when used correctly.
- Appearance: white to pale yellow crystalline powder, characteristic sulfur odor may be noticeable.
- Solubility: soluble in water; solutions should be prepared with appropriate ventilation and safety measures.
- pH dependency: efficacy increases at lower pH due to higher molecular SO2 fraction (critical in wine/juice systems).
- Labeling & allergen considerations:
- Sulfites must be declared on labels in many markets when present above defined thresholds.
- Suitable handling and customer communication are important for sensitive consumers.
- Regulatory:
- Permitted uses and maximum levels vary by country and product category (wine/cider/juice/dried fruit, etc.).
- Producers should confirm local rules for additive declarations and required monitoring (free/total SO2 where relevant).
Atlas supports customers with grade selection, documentation and practical guidance for safe handling and compliant use of potassium metabisulfite.
Indicative specification points
Specifications vary by producer and market requirements. Typical parameters include:
- Assay: high purity potassium metabisulfite content (as specified for food grade).
- SO2 content (available SO2): specified minimum for functional performance.
- Appearance: white to pale yellow crystals/powder, free from foreign matter.
- pH (solution): specified range at defined concentration.
- Insoluble matter: limited for clarity in solutions.
- Chlorides, sulfates and other impurities: limited per food-grade standards.
- Heavy metals: restricted to meet food additive requirements.
- Microbiological criteria: controlled per applicable standards (low water activity product).
Each batch is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a technical data sheet. Additional documents (GMO status, allergen declarations, dietary suitability, origin, Halal/Kosher where applicable) can be provided depending on grade and producer.
Potassium metabisulfite in wine, cider, juices, dried fruits and processing systems
Potassium metabisulfite is a core tool for beverage and food processors needing microbial control and oxidation management. Applications must follow local regulations and good manufacturing practice (GMP).
Wine & cider
- Antioxidant and antimicrobial support during crushing, fermentation management, aging and bottling (use strategy depends on style and process).
- Supports protection against oxidation and certain spoilage organisms when combined with hygiene, filtration and oxygen control.
- Commonly used to adjust and maintain target free/total SO2 based on pH and desired protection level (monitoring required).
Fruit juices, concentrates & beverage bases
- Helps control microbial growth and oxidative browning in suitable juice systems (where permitted).
- Used in some fruit preparations and beverage concentrates for stability during storage and transport.
Food processing (selected)
- Dried fruits: helps reduce enzymatic browning and preserve color (category and market dependent).
- Pickled vegetables and brines: used in selected applications where sulfites are permitted and properly declared.
Process & dosing guidance (high-level)
- Always follow local regulations: permitted uses and maximum levels differ by product and country.
- pH matters: efficacy relates to pH; lower pH increases molecular SO2 fraction.
- Monitoring: for wine/cider, manage free and total SO2 using appropriate testing methods and process controls.
- Oxygen management: best results come from combining sulfite management with oxygen control and hygienic processing.
- Allergen/labeling: ensure sulfite declarations and customer information meet market rules.
Need a potassium metabisulfite supply plan?
Atlas supplies potassium metabisulfite (E224) for beverage and food processors and can support documentation, packaging choices and export logistics. Share your application (wine/cider/juice/dried fruits), target market, annual volume and packaging preference—our team will propose suitable grades and a documentation set.
Discuss potassium metabisulfiteQuality, compliance documentation & global logistics for potassium metabisulfite
Atlas Global Trading Co. works with qualified preservative manufacturers and manages documentation and global logistics from Ankara, Türkiye, serving beverage and food processing customers worldwide.
Quality & documentation
- Supplied as food-grade potassium metabisulfite (E224) per agreed assay and available SO2 specification.
- Each batch delivered with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and technical data sheet.
- Documentation can include allergen/sulfite statements, GMO status, origin, contaminants/heavy metals statements and compliance declarations (grade/market dependent).
- Production sites typically operate under recognized quality and food safety systems such as HACCP and FSSC/ISO 22000 where applicable.
- Customers remain responsible for finished-product compliance, monitoring, permitted uses and labeling in destination markets.
Packaging, storage & logistics
- Packaging options: multiwall paper bags with liners, PE bags, cartons or drums (producer dependent).
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed original packaging. Protect from moisture and heat.
- Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents; avoid inhalation of dust and ensure good ventilation during handling.
- Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export/customs and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara.
To receive a tailored offer, please share your intended application (wine/cider/juice/dried fruit), destination markets, annual volume, preferred packaging and documentation/certification requirements (e.g., Halal/Kosher where applicable). Our team will recommend suitable grades and support your compliance documentation needs.