Potassium bisulfite

Potassium bisulfite (CAS 7773-03-7), also known commercially as E228, is an inorganic sulfite salt used industrially as a preservative, antioxidant, and reducing agent. It inhibits microbial growth and oxidative degradation across food, water treatment, and industrial processing applications.

In food and beverage production, E228 is approved for use in wines, fruit juices, and dried foods to prevent browning and extend shelf life. Water treatment operations use it to neutralize residual chlorine in process water and wastewater effluent before discharge or reuse.

Textile and leather processors apply it as a bleaching and reducing agent in dyebath preparation and hide treatment. Controlled reduction chemistry is critical in these environments to achieving consistent color results and material integrity during the manufacturing process.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an antioxidant stabilizer in injectable formulations and oral solutions to protect active ingredients from oxidative breakdown. This ensures the potency and safety of medical products throughout their intended shelf life and storage period.

Potassium bisulfite is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder or granules. Standard commercial grades include food-grade meeting E228 specifications and technical grade for industrial applications where high purity is less critical for the final outcome.

Buyers sourcing for food or pharmaceutical use should confirm compliance with relevant regional purity standards such as FCC or Ph.Eur.. These certifications ensure the material meets the rigorous safety requirements for human consumption and medical applications.