Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one additive you definitely should know about—sulfur dioxide. It is one that Jo discovered early on in her additive-free journey and it made a massive difference to the lives of her children.

What is sulfur dioxide?

So, what’s the deal with sulfur dioxide (SO2)? It’s a chemical compound mainly used as a preservative. Its job? To keep food from spoiling, stop mould growth, and keep certain foods looking colorful and fresh.

Regulation in Australia and New Zealand

In Australia and New Zealand, food standard regulations allow different amounts of sulphites, including sulfur dioxide, in various products. The tricky part? Labelling. Legally, if a product has more than 10 mg of sulfur dioxide per kilo, it has to be declared on the label. But what if it’s just a smidge below that? Yep, you guessed it—no need to mention it.

Why should you be concerned?

Here’s where it gets real. There’s a proven link between sulfur dioxide and respiratory issues. If you’re an asthmatic, this compound could be a sneaky trigger. Despite this, many people are in the dark about sulfur dioxide lurking in their daily foods.

Sulfur dioxide’s sneaky hideouts

You’d be surprised at the variety of foods that contain sulfur dioxide:

  • Grapes: Before heading to the market, grapes are often stored on sulfur pads to prolong their freshness. As a result, many grape packets explicitly mention the presence of sulfur dioxide.
  • Wine: Sulfur dioxide is also found in many wines. However, there are preservative-free alternatives available.
  • Processed Meats: From ham to sausages and even pre-made burgers, sulfur dioxide is a common additive.
  • Dried Fruits: Ever wondered why apricots in the store are bright orange instead of brown? It’s the sulfur dioxide.
  • Others: From cordials to dips and even some pharmaceutical products, sulfur dioxide has a wide presence.

Making informed and healthier choices

The good news is that awareness of the harmful effects of additives like sulfur dioxide is growing. Many companies now offer preservative-free and organic alternatives. As consumers, it’s essential to be curious about the foods we consume. Take a moment to read the label, or better still, use our Additive-Free Lifestyle App to read the label for you. It will tell you if any nasties lurk within. Our app details all the additives approved for use in AU/NZ and the possible effects (if any), empowering you to opt for healthier choices whenever possible.

If you or someone you know is dealing with respiratory issues like asthma, this episode could be a game-changer. This might be the unknown trigger you’ve been trying to pinpoint. So, if this episode or any of our past episodes have opened your eyes, do us a favor—share it with someone who needs to hear it. And while you’re at it, drop us a review on your favorite podcast app. Your feedback not only fuels us to keep delivering content that matters but also helps others discover this potentially life-saving information.

Much love,
Jo & Tracey x