Chart above is not quite accurate...

by Karen
(Cape Cod)

Please be aware that some of the items listed as "allowed" above actually contain sulfite. For example, cream of tartar, which is made from the residue from the grape fermentation process.

Also, corn syrup cannot be produced without using sulfite. Any wet processed corn product is exposed to sulfite. The corn syrup companies don't want people to know this and they hide behind what is called a "standard of identity," which allows them to omit sulfite from their ingredient labels.

Other items that contain sulfite:

corn starch

potato starch

modified food starch

beet sugar

invert syrup

maple syrup - it occurs naturally but in small amounts

food coloring/dyes

"sulfite-free" wines contain sulfite

tartrazine - which is yellow 5 - is high in sulfite

buttermilk often contains sulfites

isolated proteins like isolated soy protein

dried herbs and spices sometimes contain sulfite from the drying process

dried coconut

most cheeses contain some sulfite, esp. blue cheese and parmesan. The more it's aged, the more sulfite it contains.

Foods high in sulfur (which partially turns to sulfite when eaten):
brussels sprouts
cabbage
peanuts
asparagus
soy

Sulfite lurks in many, many other places as well, best to eat fresh foods, not processed. Try to shop the perimeter of the grocery store (fresh produce, meats, dairy) - not in the center where all the processed food is...and read all labels.

Website owner's answer: Kathi's response -

Karen is absolutely correct on her response (except I would be very careful when she mentions dairy on her acceptable list of the store's perimeter foods - many dairy items are not permissable)

The biggest problem with sulfites is they naturally occur in many food products. The difficulty arises because some foods have a much higher concentration than others do.

Also, during manufacturing and food processing a company does not have to list sulfites as an ingredient if a minimal quantity is used (less than 10 parts per million) or if the manufacturer is using this item as an already processed ingredient (which is where Karen mentions the baking soda, baking powders etc.)

If you have not noticed the sulfite allergy page on the website (www.allergy-and-diabetic-health.com/sulfite-allergy.html), please read over it also if sulfites happen to be a "hot topic" for your health. It gives you some suggestions where else you should be wary of them when you are shopping or trying to decide on your next purchase.