14th March 2018
Avoiding Sulphites
Treatments & Therapies, Food Sensitivities, Allergies & Immunity, Holistic NutritionDownload PDF
Quick Facts:
- Sulphites are used as a food additive and can also occur naturally in some foods
- Sulphites can cause allergic like symptoms in some individuals
- Health Canada includes sulphites as a priority allergen
Be Aware:
- Read ingredient labels every time you buy or eat a product.
- If you have a severe reaction to sulphites follow the Triple Check rule: once at the store before buying, once when you get home and put it away and again before you serve or eat the product
- Be careful when purchasing items from outside of Canada, since labelling rules differ between countries.
Labelling:
- In Canada, sulphites are required to be labeled when added as an ingredient or component to food at any level, with a few exceptions. You can visit Health Canada’s website at http://hc-sc.gc.ca for more information.
Other Names for Sulphites:
- Potassium bisulphite
- Potassium metabisulphite
- Sodium bisulphate, sodium dithionite, sodium metabisulphite, disodium sulphite
- Sulfur dioxide
- Sulphiting agents
- Sulphurous acid
- E220, E221, E222, E223, E224, E225, E226, E227, E228 (European names)
Possible Sources of Sulphites:
- Alcoholic/non-alcoholic beer, cider and wine • Apple cider
- Baked goods
- Bottled lemon/lime juice/concentrate
- Canned/frozen fruits/vegetables
- Cereal, cornmeal, cornstarch, crackers, muesli
- Condiments
- Deli meats, hot dogs, sausages
- Dressings, gravy, pre-made guacamole, sauces, soups, soup mixes
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Dried herbs, spices, teas
- Fish
- Fresh grapes
- Fruit filling, fruit syrup, gelatins, jams, jellies, marmalade, molasses, pectin
- Fruit and vegetable juices
- Processed potatoes (such as frozen French fries)
- Snack foods
- Soy products
- Sugar syrups
- Tomato paste, pulp or purees
- Vinegars (all types)
Non-food Sources of Sulphites:
- Bottle sanitizing solution for home brewing
- Certain medications