Alternate Names

Potassium Bisulfite, Potassium Metabisulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Sulfur Dioxide, Sodium Bisulfite

Description

Sulfur occur naturally in some foods or is added to foods to preserve them and retain natural color. There are six sulfite additives currently listed with the FDA (see names section above). Sulfur Dioxide is gas that is formed when sulfur burns. It is used as a preservative and as a disinfectant for winery and brewery equipment.

Additional Information

The FDA restricts the use of sulfites in foods or meats recognized as a source of Vitamin B1 because the sulfites destroy the vitamin. As a result of several deaths related to the use of sulfites on raw foods (especially in cafeterias and salad bars where vegetables were soaked in a sulfite solution for long periods of time), the FDA banned its use on raw fruit and raw vegetables. Sulfites are also used in food packaging. Labeling is required when added sulfites exceed 10ppm (FDA) and 10mg/kg (EU). Products that include ingredients that contain sulfites, do not need to indicate that sulfites are present. This means, for example, that a product containing dried fruit (which was treated with sulfur dioxide) need only state "dried fruit" on the ingredient list. This is a highly food sensitive additive and can cause severe reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals (see possible health effects).

Found In

wine, dehydrated or dried fruit, cut potatoes, beer, shrimp, fruit jelly, foods containing dried fruit (trail mix, cereal, baked goods, etc.), syrup, maraschino cherries, soup, baked goods, canned and frozen fruits & vegetables, condiments, relish, fruit juice, seafood, packaged lemon juice, soft drinks, tomato products, parmesan cheese

Possible Health Effects

A sulfite-sensitive person may experience life-threatening symptoms. Other reactions to sulfites can be severe, especially for those suffering from asthma. Also reported as effects: migraine headaches, hives, anaphylactic shock, and nausea.

Allergy Information

May cause allergic reaction in sensitive individuals

Online Resources/Related

• California Department of Public Health, Sulfites (Guidelines), 6/25/08, California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch
• WHO Food Additives Series: 60, Safety Evaluation of Certain Food Additives. Sulfites: Assessment of Dietary Exposure, p. 221, 2009, Leclercq, Le Donne, Toledo
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Sulphite Sensitivity, Last modified April 5, 2010, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Print Resources

• Winter, Ruth. A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives, 7th Edition: Descriptions in Plain English of More Than 12,000 Ingredients Both Harmful and Desirable Found in Foods. Three Rivers Press, 2009
• Statham, Bill. Eat Safe: The Truth about Additives from Aspartame to Xanthan Gum. Running Press, 2008
• Minich, Deanna M. An A-Z Guide to Food Additives: Never Eat What You Can't Pronounce. Conari Press, 2009
• Farlow, Christine Hoza, D.C.Food Additives: A Shopper's Guide To What's Safe & What's Not. KISS For Health Publishing, 2007 Revised Edition

Copyright July 21, 2010 Be Food Smart, Updated May 24, 2012