what are sulfites
Sulfites or sulphites are compounds that contain the sulfite ion SO 3 2â . The sulfite ion is the conjugate base of bisulfite. Although its acid (sulfurous acid) is elusive, its salts are widely used.Sulfites are substances that naturally occur in some foods and the human body.ulfites are used as a food preservative or enhancer. They may come in various forms, such as: 1  Sulfur dioxide, which is not a sulfite, but a closely related chemical oxide. 2  Potassium bisulfite or potassium metabisulfite.