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Demystifying Sulphites
Sulphites are chemical compounds derived from sulphur. They stop bacterial growth and preserve foods’ colour. Since the 17th century, sulphites have been widely used to preserve many types of food. Today, sulphites are added to foods, drinks and some medications.
What is sulphite sensitivity?
Sulphite sensitivity is a reaction to the sulphite chemical compound. It is not a true allergic reaction. Sulphite-sensitive individuals can experience symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures and asthma. Sulphites can also act as an irritant if inhaled into the lungs, causing asthma-like symptoms. The cause of the reaction is not entirely known. It is believed that when sulphite-containing food is eaten, some of the sulphites from the food can also be inhaled, which irritates the breathing airway in sensitive people. Individuals with sulphite sensitivity and severe or poorly controlled asthma are at higher risk of having a reaction to sulphites.
Sulphites can be called other names on ingredient lists. Learning these names can help catch hidden sources of sulphites in food.
Other names for sulphites
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Calcium/sodium sulphite |
Sulphiting agent |
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Calcium/sodium/potassium bisulphite |
Sulphur dioxide |
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Potassium/sodium metabisulphite |
Sulphurous acid |
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E 220, E 221, E 222, E 223, E 224, E 225, E 226, E 227, E 228 (European names) |
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Proposed changes to the Food and Drug Regulations (Canadian nutrition labelling laws) will require common allergens including sulphites to be shown on nutrition labels in plain language.
Possible sources of sulphites
Baked goods
Bottled lemon or lime juice/concentrate
Canned, dried or frozen fruits and vegetables
Cereals, trail mixes
Condiments
Dressings, soup mixes and sauces
Dried spices, teas, herbs
Fish and shellfish
Grapes and lettuce1
Processed foods (hot dogs, deli meats, cheese, potatoes)
Sugar syrups, molasses
Vinegar
1Some fresh fruits and vegetables (grapes and lettuce) may be sprayed with sulphites to keep them fresh. Sulphites can also occur naturally in beverages such as wine, beer and apple cider.
Visit Health Canada at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/allerg/allergen_sulphites-sulfites_e.html for a complete listing.
Ensuring balanced nutrition
Processed and prepared foods may contain sulphites, therefore, children with sulphite-sensitivity can enjoy a variety of fresh foods everyday to avoid sulphites. If processed food is consumed, choose foods that have “no additives added” and read the label to ensure no sulphites are present. If you have eliminated many foods from your child’s diet because of sulphite sensitivity, speak to a registered dietitian. A registered dietitian can determine if your child is meeting his or her nutritional needs for good health.
Resources:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/allerg/sulphe.shtml
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/tools/listserv/listsube.shtml?foodrecalls
MedLinePlus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/foodallergy.html
Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/allerg/index_e.html
Anaphylaxis Canada
www.anaphylaxis.ca
Allergy & Asthma Information Association
