Sundried tomatoes w/sodium bisulfite

[RoseKH]

The sun dried tomatoes I have are in olive oil, canola oil, red wine vinegar and contain citric acid and sodium bisulfite to retain color (I can't find any without this.) . Are these OK to eat? I haven't yet...

[Tom Denham]

No. Sulfites are among the nasties specifically out during a Whole30. Wikipedia says a little about sodium bisulfite that explains why:

 

While the related compound, sodium metabisulfite, is used in almost all commercial wines to prevent oxidation and preserve flavor, sodium bisulfite is sold by some home winemaking suppliers for the same purpose.^[9] In fruit canning, sodium bisulfite is used to prevent browning (caused by oxidation) and to kill microbes.

In the case of wine making, sodium bisulfite releases sulfur dioxide gas when added to water or products containing water. The sulfur dioxide kills yeasts, fungi, and bacteria in the grape juice before fermentation. When the sulfur dioxide levels have subsided (about 24 hours), fresh yeast is added for fermentation.

It is later added to bottled wine to prevent the formation of vinegar if bacteria are present, and to protect the color, aroma and flavor of the wine from oxidation, which causes browning and other chemical changes. The sulfur dioxide quickly reacts with oxidation by-products and prevents them from causing further deterioration.

Sodium bisulfite is also added to leafy green vegetables in salad bars and elsewhere, to preserve apparent freshness, under names like LeafGreen. The concentration is sometimes high enough to cause severe allergic reactions.^[10]

In the 1980s, sodium bisulfite was banned from use on raw fruits and vegetables in the United States following the deaths of 13 people who unknowingly consumed produce treated with excessive amounts of the substance.^[11]

[Vian]

You also listed canola oil on the the ingredient list, which is also a no-no on whole30

[RoseKH]

OK, so I need to keep searching for compliant sun dried tomatoes, because I know people have used them in W30 recipes, so they must exist!

[Jtandi]

canola oil is ok. not ideal but not prohibited. use sparingly!

[Vian]

Canola is the same as rapeseed, which is a highly processed PUFA in the same category as soybean, grapeseed, sunflower, safflower, and all the other vegetable oils.

[GFChris]

Canola oil is allowed, albeit reluctantly, on the W30. If they didn't, you'd never be able to go out to eat, since most restaurants cook with this oil. Avoid having it as your oil of choice at home.

[skippergirl]

I found sun dried tomatoes with Sulfur Dioxide.  Is this acceptable?

[Derval]

I found sun dried tomatoes with Sulfur Dioxide.  Is this acceptable?

 

I'm not sure if they are a suplhite/sulphate or not, but I found this

http://uk.ask.com/question/what-is-sulphur-dioxide-in-food

 

What is Sulphur Dioxide in Food?

Answer

Sulphur Dioxide in food is a preservative mainly used in vegetables, applesauce, wines, vinegar and pickled foods. It can result to asthma attacks, skin rashes and upset stomach, thus its use is highly controlled by the Food Standards Code.

[Kirsteen]

I found sun dried tomatoes with Sulfur Dioxide.  Is this acceptable?

 

One of my first questions was could I have sulfur dioxide, 'cos i was having a hard time finding vinegar without it. Tom told me to avoid it and very kindly posted the following:-

 

Follow me on a little mash up from the Wikipedia entry where sulphur dioxide is described as a concerning component of acid rain that is used to make sulphuric acid and to preserve food! Nonetheless, scientists say sulpher dioxide is safe for human consumption except for sensitive individuals in large quantities. Excuse me if I don't want any!

First: Sulfur dioxide (also sulphur dioxide) is the chemical compound with the formula SO₂. It is a toxic gas with a pungent, irritating smell, that is released by volcanoes and in various industrial processes. Since coal and petroleum often contain sulfur compounds, their combustion generates sulfur dioxide unless the sulfur compounds are removed before burning the fuel. Further oxidation of SO₂, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as NO₂, forms H₂SO₄, and thus acid rain.^[2] Sulfur dioxide emissions are also a precursor to particulates in the atmosphere. Both of these impacts are cause for concern over the environmental impact of these fuels.

Second:

Uses

Precursor to sulfuric acid

Sulfur dioxide is an intermediate in the production of sulfuric acid, being converted to sulfur trioxide, and then to oleum, which is made into sulfuric acid. Sulfur dioxide for this purpose is made when sulfur combines with oxygen. The method of converting sulfur dioxide to sulfuric acid is called the contact process. Several billion kilograms are produced annually for this purpose.

As a preservative

Sulfur dioxide is sometimes used as a preservative for dried apricots, dried figs, and other dried fruits owing to its antimicrobial properties, and it is sometimes called E220 when used in this way. As a preservative, it maintains the colorful appearance of the fruit and prevents rotting. It is also added to sulfured molasses.

Third:

Safety

Ingestion

In the United States, the Center for Science in the Public Interest lists the two food preservatives, sulfur dioxide and sodium bisulfite, as being safe for human consumption except for certain individuals who may be sensitive to it, especially in large amounts.^[23]

[Karen Twin-Cities]

This is an old post but I can't find what I'm looking for...has anyone found sun-dried tomatoes without sulfites/sulfates? 

I see a lot of W30 recipes with sun-dried tomatoes but I can't find compliant ones. 

[ShannonM816]

Did you check the ones in a jar that are packed in oil? I can't remember a brand, but I have found them before. 

Editing to add: try Mezzeta brand, online they appear to be compliant, but always read the label for the particular jar you're buying.

[Karen Twin-Cities]

13 hours ago, ShannonM816 said:

Did you check the ones in a jar that are packed in oil? I can't remember a brand, but I have found them before. 

Editing to add: try Mezzeta brand, online they appear to be compliant, but always read the label for the particular jar you're buying.

I actually sent my husband on a mission to find some and when I called him he said he decided to make his own oven dried tomatoes! But next time we don't have four hours to wait to make our own I will look for those. Thanks.