Final answer:
Sulfur dioxide, used as a preservative in wine, forms sulfites when dissolved in water, which can cause allergic reactions such as asthma and headaches in sensitive individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical food preservative used in the wine industry that may cause asthmatic reactions in some individuals is sulfur dioxide. This compound is responsible for preventing oxidation and browning in various foods, including dried fruits, and has been used in winemaking for centuries. However, when it dissolves in water, it forms sulfites, which some people are allergic to.
Sulfites have been known to trigger asthma, headaches, and other symptoms in certain individuals who have a sensitivity to them. The mechanism by which sulfites induce these reactions is not entirely understood, but they may disrupt protein structures or affect cellular pH, thus interfering with cellular functions. Sulfites also degrade thiamine, a valuable nutrient.