Tag: Sulfites in food

Archaeological evidence from Mesopotamia shows that dried fruits have been part of the human diet since at least 2,000 BC. But despite this long history, many still wonder, "Is it safe to eat dried fruits?" The answer is nuanced, involving a balance of nutritional benefits, potential health concerns, and proper food handling.

According to the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for sulfites, including sodium metabisulfite, is 0.7 mg/kg of body weight. Understanding how much sodium metabisulfite is allowed in food is crucial for both manufacturers and consumers to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sulfites must be declared on food labels when present at levels of 10 parts per million or more. This disclosure is critical for the estimated 1% of the population who may have a sulfite sensitivity, and for anyone wondering what foods have sulphites in them. These compounds are used as preservatives to prevent spoilage and discoloration, and are found in a wide array of products.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, sulfa drugs are not chemically related to sulfites or elemental sulfur, a distinction often confused by the public. To understand what foods have sulfa in them, it's essential to first differentiate between these related but distinct compounds and learn which foods contain sulfites, a common food preservative derived from sulfur.

While the query for what common foods have sulfates is frequent, it stems from a common confusion; sulfates are chemically distinct from sulfites, which are the food preservatives found in many common products. This guide will demystify the difference and identify the everyday foods that actually contain sulfites, not sulfates.

Processed meats like bacon are often a topic of dietary concern due to their additives and curing methods. The question, "Is bacon high in sulfur?", relates to both its natural protein content and the added sulfites used as preservatives.