Reexamination of the GRAS Status of Sulfiting Agents

摘要

This report of an ad hoc Review Panel reexamines the GRAS status of sulfiting agents as food ingredients. The Panel estimates that the mean per capita daily consumption of sulfur dioxide equivalents (SDE) is about 10 mg/day (0.17 mg/kg/day). The 99th percentile consumption, reflecting that of the most frequent consumers of the more highly sulfited foods and beverages, is estimated to be approximately 180 mg/day (3 mg/kg/day). Metabolism, acute and chronic toxicity, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity of sulfiting agents are reviewed and evaluated. The Panel addresses the use of sulfiting agents on fresh precut potatoes and fresh fruits and vegetables and also considers the acute bronchial reactions experienced by some asthmatic patients following consumption of meals including some foods containing sulfites. Conclusions of the Panel regarding the GRAS status of sulfiting agents are presented. This report contains a bibliography with 166 cited references and 133 other reviewed citations.