Subject - Sulfites
QUESTION - Can you tell me if there are any type of preservatives put on fresh strawberries before shipping? The client says she vomits from the sulfites put on lettuce when eating out and wants to know if she can safely eat strawberries. Her reaction to sulfites has not been medically diagnosed. Isn't it law that an eating establishment that uses sulfites must state this fact? I would appreciate any information that you can provide.
ANSWER - I am not aware of anybody using sulfites on strawberries. If they did they would have to label it as such.
The excerpt below is from FDA Consumer Magazine.
"FDA requires that the presence of sulfites be disclosed on labels of packaged food (although manufacturers need not specify the particular agent used). This information will be included in the ingredient portion of the label, along with the function of the sulfiting agent in the food (for instance, a preservative).
"When food is sold unpackaged in bulk form (as with a barrel of dried fruit or loose, raw shrimp at the fresh fish counter), store managers must post a sign or some other type of labeling that lists the food's ingredients on the container or at the counter so that consumers can determine whether the product was treated with a sulfiting agent."
See the complete article at the link below:
Sulfites: Safe for most - Dangerous for some
