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Food Safety Works Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network

SAFEFOOD NEWS - Spring 1997 - Vol. 1, No. 3

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FDA Warns of Sulfites in Tuna

Sulfite-sensitive asthmatics and other sulfite-sensitive consumers are warned that canned tuna products may contain undeclared sulfites. On March 6, 1997, the National Food Processors Association and the U.S. tuna industry advised the FDA that most white (albacore) tuna and a limited amount of light tuna contain sulfites not declared on the product labels.

Sulfites have been added to a significant proportion of canned tuna products inadvertently and without manufacturers' knowledge. The sulfites apparently were contained but not declared in a raw material-hydrolyzed vegetable protein--which is added to the tuna to enhance flavor. The industry has informed the FDA it has now discontinued use of raw materials containing sulfites.

Sulfite-sensitive asthmatics and other sulfite-sensitive individuals should not consume at this time any canned white tuna, and they should check with the industry's information number, 800-283-1112, for specific information about the presence of sulfites in canned white (albacore) and light tuna products.

Sulfites can cause serious and life-threatening reactions in certain asthmatics and other sulfite-sensitive individuals. The undeclared sulfites in canned tuna do not present a risk to individuals who are not asthmatic or otherwise sulfite sensitive.

Sulfites and sulfiting agents are added to many food products as preservatives. Food manufacturers who add detectable levels of sulfites to food products are required to declare its presence on products' labels.

The tuna industry and FDA are cooperating in notifying sulfite- sensitive individuals across the country of the presence of undeclared sulfites in canned tuna products. The industry agreed to place advertisements in newspapers informing consumers of the problem. It also alerted the National Food Allergy network to aid in the effort to communicate information to susceptible individuals. In addition, manufacturers will re- label canned tuna currently containing sulfites with stickers declaring its presence.

FDA is investigating in cooperation with industry to determine how the problem occurred and how it can be prevented from recurring.

Source: FDA Talk Paper, March 7, 1997.

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Updated Monday, August 29, 2011