Avoiding Sulphites

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