Sulfite

There is also a non-bonded lone pair on the sulfur, so the structure predicted by VSEPR theory is trigonal pyramidal, as in ammonia (NH3).

[6][7][8] Sulfites are commonly introduced to arrest fermentation at a desired time, and may also be added to wine as preservatives to prevent spoilage and oxidation at several stages of the winemaking.

Bottles of wine that contain over 10 mg/L (ppm) of "sulfites" (or sulfur dioxide) are required to bear "contains sulphites" on the label.

[citation needed] In 1986, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States banned the addition of sulfites to all fresh fruit and vegetables that are eaten raw.

[19] Chronic skin conditions in the hands, perineum, and face have been reported in individuals that regularly use cosmetics or medications containing sulfites.

Occupational exposure to sulfites has been reported to cause persistent skin symptoms.

[25][26][27] A 2017 study has shown negative impacts of sulfites on bacteria found in the human microbiome.

[2] In the European Union, "EU law requires food labels to indicate "contains sulfites" (when exceeding 10 milligrams per kilogram or per litre) without specifying the amount".

[34] High sulfite content in the blood and urine of babies can be caused by molybdenum cofactor deficiency disease which leads to neurological damage and early death unless treated.