Question from Nancy
Unable to find any information on what this ingredient is. Or whether it is safe? Also does it contain gluten? It is in the canned coconut milk I use and it is the only canned coconut I have found that does not contain guar gum.
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
nancy
Debra’s Answer
Sodium meta bisulphite is part of a family of sulfur-based sulfites, widely used as a preservative in processed foods and beverages. Sulfur occurs in natural as a mineral and is the source of “rotten egg” smell. Perhaps the most familiar use of sulphites is as a preservative for dried fruit–it makes the difference between the fruit being moist and colorful, or dried and shriveled.
Some people are very allergic to sulphites, and for this reason, the presence of sulphites in foods and beverages is noted on the label. Sulfites may cause gastro-intestional irritation with nausea and vomiting. Inhaling sulphites has been associated with tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, sore throat, and asthma. Skin and eye contact may cause mild irritation. These symptoms are for sulphites in their concentrated form in an industrial setting. Unless you are allergic to sulphites, it is unlikely that you would have these symptoms from the small amounts used as presevatives.
