(RepublicanView.org) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall of AVIATOR brand Sundried Tomato Halves due to undeclared sulfites. It warns that people with sulfite sensitivities are at risk of severe illness or death if they consume the product, which comes in 5 lb vacuum packages.
The recall applies to all 50 states, but the FDA says no related illnesses have yet been reported. Routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors uncovered the fault, saying packages were distributed nationwide but without warning of the presence of sulfites.
While the FDA said products across the country are impacted, Global Veg Corp, which produces the additive, later told reporters that the recall should only apply to New York and New Jersey.
Found in several foods, including tomato pastes and purees, sulfites are often added to products to lengthen shelf-life and boost color. The FDA estimates that around 1 in 100 Americans are sensitive to the ingredient, and their reactions can range from mild symptoms to anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.
According to the National Library of Medicine, adverse reactions in sensitive individuals can also include dermatitis, hives, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, and diarrhea.
In the 1980s, the federal government banned the use of sulfites as additives to fresh fruit and vegetables following a string of deaths linked to the compound. Activists at the time, however, said the ban did not go far enough.
The move followed the death of a Santa Ana woman, who died from complications arising from ingestion of sulfites. Judith Grant had consumed a pizza and salad at a local restaurant, and it was later discovered that the outlet used sulfites to keep its salads looking fresh.
In 1986, the FDA announced yet more restrictions on sulfite use and said drug companies must include warning notices on their products if the ingredient is included. At that time, 1,100 drugs were affected.
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