Sulfites

Sulfites are chemicals that are primarily used as preservatives in foods, drinks and some medications.

They can also be found naturally in some foods like grapes and aged cheeses.

Sulfites are added to foods like dried fruit to delay browning and wine to prevent spoilage caused by bacteria.

Most people can tolerate the sulfites found in foods and beverages, but some people are sensitive to these chemicals.

Sulfite sensitivity is most common in people with asthma, though people without asthma can be intolerant to sulfites as well.

Common symptoms of sulfite sensitivity include:

Hives
Swelling of the skin
Stuffy nose
Hypotension
Flushing
Diarrhea
Wheezing
Coughing

Sulfites can even cause airway constriction in asthmatic patients with sulfite sensitivity, and, in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening reactions.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that the use of sulfites must be declared on the label of any food that contains sulfites or where sulfites were used during the processing of food.

Examples of foods that may contain sulfites include:

Dried fruit
Wine
Apple cider
Canned vegetables
Pickled foods
Condiments
Potato chips
Beer
Tea
Baked goods

Source www.healthline.com/