Are sulfites dangerous and where are they found? Gastroenterologist named a list of foods

Most of the products we buy in stores include some form of food additives to prevent spoilage, improve taste or appearance. One of these substances are sulfites.

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What are sulfites?

Sulfites (sulfur dioxides) are compounds containing sulfur, which are actively used in the food industry. They are derivatives of sulfuric acid, including sulfates, sulfites and metabisulfites. They have antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Sulfites are preservatives: they prevent spoilage of foods and help preserve their color. This is due to the fact that they slow down oxidation processes, so that the food retains its freshness longer.

In addition, these substances inhibit (slow down) the growth of microorganisms, as they prevent the increase in the number of bacteria and the spread of mold.

The permissible norm of this additive in products is 100 mg/kg. The safe daily intake rate is 0.7 mg per 1 kg of body weight.

What foods contain sulfites?

Sulfites are usually labeled on product packaging as E220-E228. Foods and beverages that often contain these additives include:

• Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables;
• potato chips;
• fruit and vegetable juices;
• fruit fillings and syrups, jams, jellies;
• dried fruits and vegetables such as apricots, coconut, raisins, and sweet potatoes;
• cereal, cornmeal, cornstarch, crackers and granola;
• peeled and pre-cut potatoes, including French fries;

• tomato pastes;
• condiments such as horseradish, ketchup, mustard;
• vinegar;
• wines, beer and cider;
• tea;
• fresh or frozen shrimp;
• baked goods, including candy bars and granola bars (especially those with dried fruit);
• deli meats, hot dogs and sausages;
• dressings, gravies, sauces;
• soups and instant noodles.

Fresh fruits and vegetables intended to be eaten raw will generally not contain this food additive.

Health effects of sulfites

Ph.D., a gastroenterologist with the Euroonco network of expert oncology clinics

“There is nothing wrong with improving food processing techniques to preserve freshness. However, given that we do not always know about the presence of allergies to them, it is necessary to more carefully study the composition of products”.

As for the health effects of sulfites, they can indeed cause side effects. Thus, in some people these additives can provoke allergic reactions, including bronchospasm, skin rashes.

Such substances are especially dangerous for asthma patients, as they can trigger asthmatic attacks. That is why in some countries doctors recommend that patients with bronchial asthma avoid foods and drinks that contain sulfites.

One should read product labels carefully and consult a doctor if in doubt.

Restrictions on the use of sulfites

The use of sulfites as a food additive is authorized in all countries. Since sulphur dioxide is an allergen, the manufacturer is obliged to put E220 on the label if the content of this additive in the product is more than 10 mg/kg. If this is not indicated on the label, then its amount does not exceed the norm.

Sulfites are widely used as an indispensable preservative for a range of foods. Despite a long search for the least toxic analogs, no substance has yet been found that simultaneously possesses such functional properties as this food additive.