August 28
Sulfites
	Sulfites are food additives used to prevent the discoloration of fruits and vegetables, and to inhibit the growth of bacteria in wine and beer. In a food allergy, the body’s immune system sees a part of the food as a “foreign invader” and makes antibodies to fight it. Reactions can range from hives to difficulty breathing. People who are sensitive to sulfites have many of the same reactions as people with true food allergies. Sulfites are safe for most people, but you can develop a sensitivity at any age. Sulfites trigger adverse reactions in five percent of those with asthma. FDA regulations prohibit the use of sulfites on raw, fresh produce and require sulfites to be listed on the labels of processed foods. And that’s helped to reduce the number of reported reactions. But you may not always be able to tell if a food has sulfites, especially when eating out. People with asthma should carry their inhalers with them, and people who’ve had severe reactions in the past should carry an antihistamine and epinephrine with them at all times.
	What are some warning signs of sulfite sensitivity? They are the same as any allergy—hives, swelling of the lips or extremities, or difficulty breathing. If any of these occur during a meal, seek medical attention immediately. Make a note of what kind of reaction you had, exactly what you were eating at the time, and when the reaction occurred in relation to the meal.
	RESOURCES: Sulfites: Safe for Most, Dangerous for Some U.S. Food and Drug Administration vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdsulfit.html Food Allergy Medlineplus Health Information medlineplus.adam.com/ency/article/000817.htm Food Allergies, Rare but Risky vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/wh-alrg1.html