More Data on Sulfites is Needed to “Fully Confirm” Safety, Says EFSA

18 Apr 2016 --- The current combined safe level for seven sulfites used as additives in wine and other foods is sufficiently protective for consumers. But EFSA will revisit this conclusion when data from new studies are provided to fill information gaps, reduce uncertainties and fully confirm their safety for consumers.

The seven food additives (sulfur dioxide and six sulfites) are considered together since they behave similarly following ingestion. They occur naturally in wine-making and are also added to many wines to halt fermentation and act as preservatives. The sulfite content in white and sweet wines is generally higher than in rosé, red and dry wines.

They are also used in cider, fruit and vegetable juices (for example, to stop grape juice turning into vinegar) and in dried fruit and vegetables, particularly radish and potato-based products.

No specific concerns, but data are needed
Scientific data on sulfites and what happens to them inside the body are limited. When consumed in food they may trigger intolerant reactions and some consumers may be sensitive to sulfites in food.

The existing acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.7 milligrams per kilogram of body weight covers all seven substances combined. Estimates of dietary exposure to these seven substances for consumers of most ages are sometimes above this figure, particularly for high level consumers.

EFSA’s expert Panel on Food Additives recommends that the temporary group ADI should be re-evaluated within five years, after new studies are carried out to generate the missing data. The Panel also suggests that labelling should describe the actual level of sulfites/sulfur dioxide in individual products to help sensitive/intolerant consumers to regulate their intake. EU law requires food labels to indicate “contains sulfites” (when exceeding 10 milligrams per kilogram or per litre) without specifying the amount.

Food additive re-evaluations hang in the balance
EU regulations require EFSA to re-evaluate by 2020 the safety of all food additives authorised before January 2009. While EFSA has completed the re-evaluation of almost all food colours and expects to complete the assessment of other food additives scheduled for review by 2016, more than 100 food additives remain in the pipeline.

Despite launching several general and specific calls for data on food additives since 2006, there is still an on-going shortage of data on the toxicity of substances used as food additives and their levels in food. Producers and users of food additives are therefore urged to provide all their available information for the safety assessment of food additives to properly protect consumers.