The Nation - News from July 21, 1988

An unpublished memo written by the head of the Food and Drug Administration shows the agency wants to reject proposals for broader limitations on sulfite food preservatives, despite estimates that the chemicals can be extremely dangerous to a million or more Americans. A consumer health group said the FDA’s failure to act endangers many asthmatics and others who have a severe reaction to sulfites, including the possibility of death within hours after food containing the chemicals is eaten. Sulfites, which have been used for decades to prevent discoloration in food, have been banned since 1986 for use on fresh fruits and vegetables, such as those sold in salad bars. The FDA memo, written by Commissioner Frank E. Young, says the agency proposes to affirm its classification of sulfites as “generally recognized as safe” for other foods.