Sulfur dioxide is used as a preservative and is found in many foods, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These foods include dried fruit, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Eating dried fruit and other items that contain sulfur dioxide is generally considered safe for most people. But the health risks of consuming this chemical can range from mild to severe if you have asthma, or a sulfite sensitivity or allergy, according to Cleveland Clinic.
What Does Sulfur Dioxide Do?
Many foods contain preservatives to maintain freshness, and dried fruit is no exception. Sulfur dioxide is used on foods such as dried fruits to prevent rotting and browning, as well as to maintain their color and appearance, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The use of sulfur dioxide for food preservation became commonplace in the 1970s. But in 1986, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of sulfites — including sulfur dioxide — in fresh fruits and vegetables for causing health issues in people with asthma, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
However, sulfur dioxide is still used as a preservative in many other foods, including dried fruits, processed meats like hot dogs, and even some baked goods.
Potential Side Effects of Sulfur Dioxide
If you’re a healthy person without any chronic conditions, you’re not likely to have an adverse reaction to the sulfur dioxide content in dried fruit. Less than 1 percent of people have a sulfur dioxide sensitivity or allergy, according to the USDA. However, 4 to 5 percent of people with asthma have some form of sulfite sensitivity, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Sulfur dioxide side effects can include feelings of tightness in your chest and throat, wheezing, and coughing, according to the American Lung Association. Other people may get allergy-like symptoms, such as hives and a stuffy or runny nose, according to Cleveland Clinic. For some people, especially those with asthma, the side effects can turn into a life-threatening anaphylaxis reaction, according to research published in December 1998 in the book Toxicological Profile for Sulfur Dioxide.
Testing for a Sulfur Dioxide Sensitivity or Allergy
If you don’t have asthma, your odds of having a sensitivity to sulfur dioxide are low. If you have asthma or you think your body might be reacting to this preservative, ask your healthcare provider to test you for a sulfur dioxide allergy, according to Cleveland Clinic.
During the test, an allergist will administer a small dose of sulfite, gradually increasing the amount as they carefully watch you and your lung function. If you have a reaction, they will provide medication to quickly relieve your symptoms. If you have asthma, you should get tested so you know how this preservative will affect you.
Dried Fruit Without Sulfur Dioxide
Dried fruit is a healthy food choice, as it’s full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, according to Harvard Health Publishing. And luckily, you might not have to eliminate it from your diet if you have a sulfur dioxide sensitivity or allergy. Look for organic fried fruits, as they’re typically free of preservatives. Keep them in the refrigerator or freezer to help prolong their shelf life.
Generally, you can avoid sulfur dioxide in your diet by carefully reading labels when buying processed foods, especially foods that have a long shelf life, according to Cleveland Clinic. Sulfur dioxide can be listed as other terms, too. So look for sulfites, potassium bisulfite, and metabisulfites on ingredient labels as well.
You can also cook your own preservative-free batch of dried fruit, according to MasterClass. Pick your preferred variety, slice it, and bake it at low heat for several hours until you achieve that perfect chewy texture.
