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What Are Sulphites and Sulphite Sensitivity
Finding sulphites on the ingredients list
You’ll find sulphites under various names on the ingredients label. Despite the fact that the presence of sulphite must be stated (like all top allergens) it’s always best to check the ingredients list, especially if you are outside Canada.
Here is the list of names to check:
- Calcium sulphite (E226)
- Calcium bisulphite (E227)
- Potassium bisulphite (E228)
- Potassium metabisulphite (E224)
- Potassium sulphite (E225)
- Sodium bisulphite (E222)
- Sodium dithionite
- Sodium metabisulphite (E223)
- Disodium sulphite (E221)
- Sulphite / Sulphite
- Sulfur dioxide (E220)
- Sulphiting agents
- Sulphurous acid
NB: names beginning with “E” are European names for sulphites.
Top Sulphite-Containing Foods
You’ll find sulphites principally in processed foods, but they are also naturally present in grapes (and therefore wine). Here is a list, non-exhaustive, of the principal foods that can contain sulphites*:
- Cereal bars (especially those containing dried fruit)
- Deli meats
- Dried fruits (organic products don’t usually contain any sulphites)
- Frozen fish and seafood
- Fruit juice
- Grapes
- Olives, gherkins and other condiments
- Vinegar
- Wine and other alcohol products
* You will need to check the ingredient labels of processed foods (mention “contains” or “may contain” sulphites, or other synonyms). If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer or avoid consuming the product. It’s also worth checking among different brands for a particular product, some add sulphites while others don’t.
The Solution!
We’ve recently started offering the possibility to add the exclusion “sulphites” to your profile. This way, you can search for recipes that are compatible with your profile, which means without sulphites, as well as getting meal plans adapted to your sulphite intolerance.
For more information on sulphites, check out these websites:
References
- Food Allergy Canada. (2015). About Allergies – Sulphites
- Allergy UK. (March 2015). Your quick guide to … Sulphites and Airway Symptom.
- Extenso. (November 28th, 2012). Salubrité alimentaire – Les additifs alimentaires démystifiés.
- Government of Canada. (August 31st, 2016). Sulphites – Priority Allergens
Author
Member of the Quebec College of Dietitians (ODNQ) and Dietitians of Canada,Jef graduated from McGill University in December 2014. Recently graduated and passionate about culinary arts, Jef poses a simple, effective and practical look at daily meal planning. With this in mind, she works in conjunction with the mission of SOSCuisine...
Are there many sulphites in a glass of wine
Hello Diane,
Sulfite content varies a lot from one wine to the other. Most wines average about 80 PPM, red wine typically containing fewer sulfites than white wine or dessert wines. For perspective, dried fruits typically contain 1000 PPM of sulfite.