Those Allergic To Sulfites Should Be Wary 
Of Canned Tuna

By: LEE BOWMAN
Scripps Howard News Service

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that much of 
the canned tuna being sold in American supermarkets contains sulfites and could 
produce allergic reactions in people sensitive to the preservative.

FDA officials say they were advised of the presence of sulfites in most white (albacore) 
tuna and some light tuna by representatives of the U.S. tuna industry and the National 
Food Processors Association.

Sulfites can cause serious, life threatening conditions, including swollen tongues, closed 
throats and shock in people who are sensitive to the substances, including many 
asthmatics.

Food manufacturers who add detectable levels of sulfites to foods are required to report 
its use on product labels, but this has not been done on tuna cans.

Officials said the sulfites had been added to a significant proportion of canned tuna on 
the market without the knowledge of manufacturers, apparently through a vegetable 
protein that is included in the tuna to enhance flavor.

Industry officials said use of the raw materials containing sulfites has been discontinued, 
and that manufacturers will put warning stickers on all tuna cans believed to contain the 
sulfites.

FDA officials said Friday it is still unclear exactly how extensive use of the additive has 
been, and urged consumers who are particularly sensitive to the substance to err on the 
side of caution until the scope is clearer.

FDA is working with the industry to determine how the problem occurred and how it can 
be prevented from happening again.

In the meantime, the tuna industry is launching a newspaper advertising campaign to 
alert consumers to the danger and has notified the National Food Allergy Network to the 
problems.

Debbie Sherer, director of membership services for a support network for people with 
food allergies, said the organization is issuing a special alert on the problem to all 
members via mail, fax and electronic mail.

Information will also be posted to the FAN Internet site, www.foodallergy.org.



(Lee Bowman covers health and science for Scripps Howard News Service.)
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