Suffering Sulphites

I was recently doing some research in the dessert aisle of my  local supermarket for my new Australian Shopping Guide, when I came across the Jelly/Jello range. 

A friend of mine had said that a popular aviated related product had a range out that contained only natural colors and flavors. I was very excited about this as it would add a whole new range to our ok list. 

As I was reading the ingredients it did indeed seem that these gelatin desserts were ok, they had colors and flavors made from safe sources like fruits and vegetables, however, my excitement soon turned to disappointment. Right at the bottom was written "Contains Sulphites". There was all their hard work undone in one statement.

So what's wrong with Sulphites. Sulphites are a form of preservative and anti-oxidant, which does occur naturally in food and the body, but can cause a reaction in susceptible people. They are anti-microbial, and help maintain color, bleach starches and maintain shelf life. They are what stop your dried fruits from forming molds and going brown.

On the label it may be known as sulfites, sulphites, sulfiting agents or sulphiting agents. They are also known in Europe and Australia by the following numbers on labels:

E220 E221 E222 E223 E224 E225 E226 E227 E228

So what reactions can it cause in susceptible people:

- It can trigger asthma symptoms
- It can trigger other anaphylatic symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, swelling of eyes, lips, throat, tongue, rashes, itchiness, hives, cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, faintness, loss of consciousness.

Sulphites can be found in these foods:

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer and cider
• Bottled lemon and lime juices and concentrates
• Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables
• Cereal, cornmeal, cornstarch, crackers and muesli
• Condiments, for example, coleslaw, horseradish, ketchup, mustard, pickles, relish and sauerkraut
• Dehydrated, mashed, peeled and pre-cut potatoes, and frozen french fries
• Dried fruits and vegetables, such as apricots, coconut and raisins, sweet potato
• Dried herbs, spices and teas
• Fresh grapes
• Fruit fillings and syrups, gelatin, jams, jellies, preserves, marmalade, molasses and pectin
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Glazed and glacéed fruits, for example, maraschino cherries
• Starches, (for example, corn starch, potato starch)
• Sugar syrups, for example, glucose, glucose solids, syrup dextrose, corn syrup, table syrup
• Tomato pastes, pulps and purees
• Vinegar and wine vinegar
• Wine

Other possible sources of sulphites

• Baked goods, especially with dried fruits
• Deli meats, hot dogs and sausages

Refeences:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/pubs/securit/2012-allergen_sulphites-sulfites/index-eng.php
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/should-you-be-worried-about-sulfites-in-food-and-wine
 

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