Reactions to sulfiting agents may range from mild to life-threatening. Most patients experience a mild allergic reaction with nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flushing, itching, urticaria and/or angioedema. Less often patients may experience bronchoconstriction and rarely anaphylaxis. Not everyone who claims sulfite hypersensitivity actually has it.
Sulfiting agents used in the US and listed on the ingredient label:
(1) sodium sulfite
(2) sodium bisulfite
(3) potassium bisulfite
(4) sodium metabisulfate
(5) potassium metabisulfate
(6) sodium dioxide
Foods commonly containing sulfiting agents:
(1) bread: commercial mixes
(2) cereals with dried fruit
(3) fruits: dried, prepared at salad bars in restaurants
(4) potatoes: pre-peeled, dehydrated or instant
(5) vegetables: dried vegetables, prepared at salad bars in restaurants, guacamole
(6) sea food: shrimp, shellfish
(7) soups: dried or instant soup mixes
(8) gelatin products
Beverages commonly containing sulfiting agents:
(1) nonalcoholic beverages: coffee, soft drinks, tea
(2) alcoholic beverages: beer and wine
(3) fruit juices, cider
(4) vegetable juices: tomato juice
Sulfites can also be converted to hydrogen sulfide gas by bacteria with in the gut.
