'Use of Sulfites in Uruguay?' Recipes and Food

Use of Sulfites in Uruguay?

Sulfites are preservatives often used in the food industries. In 1984 the USA (FDA) banned the use of sulfites for fresh produce (in sald bars and produce departments). Left open was the issue of Potatoes and apparently fresh grapes are still coated with sulfites (though there might be some labeling requirements).

Other items such as dried fruit, shrimp and corn syrup will contain sulfites in the USA.

Prepared items also often have sulfites added in the USA. If so, the label should include one of these: sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite and potassium metabisulfite.

Sulfites can pose these risks: "Reported reactions cover a wide variety of symptoms - from hives, nausea and diarrhea to respiratory failure [ie: death]." I think they left out headaches. See the link below.

So back to my original question! Does any one have any references about the use of sulfites in Uruguay, especially on fresh produce.

I am not interested in hearing anyone opinion suggesting that the farmers and distributors can't afford to use them.

• Sulfites; Food Marketing Institute

I think the key is that unlike most pesticides which the government claims have no negative heath impact... sulfites can be a serious issue to those that are "sensitive". Different people have different sensitivities... and someone that is very sensitive could have a reaction after just one meal.

Not to suggest that other commonly used pesticides are good.. but I don't think people are so sensitive that eating one meal will put them in shock. But with sulfites could.

So, I think it would be useful to know if they are commonly used in Uruguay.

That website said: "Following a government investigation of more than 500 reports of allergic reactions, including 13 deaths, the agency banned the use of sulfites on fresh fruits and vegetables - including those imported into the United States."

And, the naturally occurring sulfites don't seem to be problem free either: "Another 15 percent of the complaints involved wine and beer."

I recall this was a problem many years ago with salad bars in the USA, and there was a lot of awareness about it for a while.

As for stuff with labels...I have found food labeling standards here really random. Some don't state place of origin, best before date or even a full list of ingredients! This would be unheard of in the EU these days so its sometimes hard to get used to. Then again, I buy 95% of my groceries at the feria, they definitely don't have labels!

So that seems to be sulfites in a class all by their own.

• New York Times: sulfite deaths

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