Question from K. Christensen
I have a 14-month-old and am always looking for ways to include fruits and veggies in her diet. I have been looking at dried fruits (peaches, apricots, etc), but even the non-sweetened fruits at my local market are made with sulfur dioxide. Can you comment on if this ingredient is safe for children and/or adults?
Thank you
Debra’s Answer
I don’t consider sulfur dioxide to be safe, though it is widely used. Enough people are allergic to it that it’s presence in food must appear on the label. There is a very thorough report on the health effects of sulfur dioxide and how to avoid it at: Food Intolerance Network Fact Sheet: Sulphites.
You can find dried fruits without sulfur dioxide online and at your local natural food store. The main reason sulfur dioxide is used is to preserve the color of dried fruit. Untreated dried fruit is shriveled and dark, treated dried fruit is plump and colorful. Dried fruit treated with sulfur dioxide is more visually appealing, but untreated dried fruit tastes better.
I always like to keep everything as close to nature as possible.
