Sulfur dioxide is used as a preservative and is in many foods, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These foods include dried fruits, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Eating dried fruits and other items containing sulfur dioxide is generally considered to be without danger for most people. But the risks to the health of consumption of this chemical can go from light to serious if you suffer from asthma, or from a sensitivity or from an allergy to sulfite, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What is sulfur dioxide doing?
Many foods contain preservatives to maintain freshness and dried fruits are no exception. Sulfur dioxide is used on food such as dried fruits to prevent rot and browning, as well as to maintain their color and appearance, according to the American department of agriculture (USDA).
The use of sulfur dioxide for the preservation of foods became commonplace in the 1970s. But in 1986, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA) prohibited the use of sulfites – including sulfur dioxide – in fresh fruits and vegetables to have caused health problems in asthmatic people, according to the University of Nebraska -Lincoln.
However, sulfur dioxide is always used as a preservative in many other foods, including dried fruits, transformed meats such as hot dogs and even certain bakery products.
Potential side effects of sulfur dioxide
If you are a healthy person without any chronic affection, you will probably not have an adverse reaction to the sulfur dioxide content in dried fruits. According to the USDA, less than 1% of people have a sensitivity or allergy to sulfur dioxide. However, 4 to 5% of asthmatic people have a certain form of sensitivity to sulfite, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
According to the American Lung Association, the side effects of sulfur dioxide may include sealing feelings in the chest and throat, whistling breathing and cough. Other people can get allergy -like symptoms, such as hives and a stifling nose or a flowing nose, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For some people, in particular those with asthma, side effects can turn into a potentially fatal anaphylaxis reaction, according to research published in December 1998 in the book Toxicological profile for sulfur dioxide.
Test a sensitivity or allergy to sulfur dioxide
If you do not have asthma, your chances of having a sensitivity to sulfur dioxide are weak. If you suffer from asthma or if you think your body could react to this preservative, ask your health care provider to test you for a sulfur dioxide allergy, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
During the test, an allergist will administer a small dose of sulfite, gradually increasing the amount because it looks at you carefully and your pulmonary function. If you have a reaction, they will provide medication to quickly relieve your symptoms. If you suffer from asthma, you need to be tested so that you know how this curator will affect you.
Dried fruits without sulfur dioxide
Dry fruits are a choice of healthy foods because it is full of fibers, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Fortunately, you may not have to eliminate it from your diet if you have a sensitivity or allergy to sulfur dioxide. Look for organic fried fruit because they are generally free from preservatives. Keep them in the refrigerator or freezer to help extend their shelf life.
Generally, you can avoid sulfur dioxide in your diet by carefully reading labels when purchasing processed foods, in particular foods that have a long shelf life, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Sulfur dioxide can also be listed as other terms. So look for sulfites, potassium bisulfite and metabisulfites on ingredient labels.
You can also cook your own batch of dried fruit without preservatives, according to Masterclass. Choose your favorite variety, cut it and cook it over low heat for several hours until you reach this perfect soft texture.
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