A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell has a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode, which face each other via a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. A metallic complex is added to the fuel electrode of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Since this metallic complex adsorbs oxygen as the oxygen partial pressure at the fuel electrode increases and desorbs oxygen as the oxygen partial pressure decreases, oxygen produced when a reverse voltage is generated can be removed efficiently. It may be possible to prevent the deterioration of or damage to a catalyst material of the fuel cell and the electrolyte membrane.