Question

A wine label must declare that it contains sulfur dioxide if wine contains more than _____ sulfur dioxide per litre.

• A. 10 mg
• B. 50 mg
• C. 100 mg
• D. 200 mg

Hint:

The sulfite labeling threshold is intertiolly harmonized at \(10 \text{ mg/L}\) (or \(10 \text{ ppm}\)).
This rule applies to all imported and domestic wines in major markets.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sulfur dioxide (\(\text{SO}_2\)) is used in winemaking as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent to prevent spoilage and oxidation.
However, sulfites can trigger severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

Step 2: Detailed Explation:
To protect consumers, food regulatory authorities worldwide (such as the FDA, European Food Safety Authority, and FSSAI) mandate label declarations for sulfites.
The regulatory threshold for this mandatory declaration is \(10 \text{ mg/L}\) (or \(10 \text{ ppm}\)) of total sulfur dioxide.
If the residual concentration of sulfur dioxide in the finished wine exceeds this limit, the label must state "Contains Sulfites" or "Contains Sulfur Dioxide."
Any concentration below \(10 \text{ mg/L}\) is considered too low to pose a significant health risk to sensitive consumers and does not require a declaration.

Step 3: Fil Answer:
The correct option is (A).