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Sodium Bisulfite

Chris_Cook_15681

I was reading the recipe article on celery juice and decided to order some sodium bisulfite. Actually I got sodium metabisulfite so I was investigating the differences there and came across this New York Times article from 1988 about the FDA banning the use of sulfites in uncooked foods due to several deaths linked to its use, as well as severe allergic reactions, particularly in asthma sufferers.

So my questions(s) about its use here: Wouldn't the celery juice recipe (and also the basil oil recipe) be considered an uncooked food and the use of a sulfites in them would be considered hazardous by the FDA? Is WD-50 serving foods with sulfites added?

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Comments

Brendan_Lee_56950

Sulfites (metabisulfite I believe is the most common) are used in winemaking quite regularly. I guess it really depends on what the FDA considers a "cooked" ingredient, the law seems to center around salad bars and fresh fruits that would be eaten whole.

Chris_Cook_15681

Further reading from FDA regs:

TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS

CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

SUBCHAPTER B--FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (CONTINUED)

PART 182 -- SUBSTANCES GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE

Subpart D--Chemical Preservatives

Sec. 182.3739 Sodium bisulfite.

(a)Product. Sodium bisulfite.

(b) [Reserved]

(c)Limitations, restrictions, or explanation. This substance is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, except that it is not used in meats; in food recognized as a source of vitamin B1; on fruits or vegetables intended to be served raw to consumers or sold raw to consumers, or to be presented to the consumer as fresh.

Brendan_Lee_56950

So you basically just don't use the word "fresh" and you cover your ass, that's interesting.

Chris_Cook_15681

Looks that way. I wouldn't consider the celery juice or basil oil to be a raw or fresh vegetable. So if it's processed a bit it seems ok to use in a restaurant setting, maybe? At the same time, I'd rather not kill anyone by using it, though.

Brendan_Lee_56950

It, in and of itself, is not necessarily harmful. But you will have to know who you're serving to see if they have any allergies or asthma. I guess a good way of checking would be to ask people about red wine allergies.