2010-2011 Sulphites in Fresh Grapes

Summary

The Food Safety Action Plan (FSAP) aims to modernize and enhance Canada's food safety system. As part of the FSAP enhanced surveillance initiative, targeted surveys are used to evaluate various foods for specific hazards.

The main objective of the sulphites in fresh grapes survey was:

• to obtain baseline information regarding the presence and levels of sulphites in fresh grapes.

The presence of sulphites on fresh grapes is permitted according to Section B.11.001.1 of the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR), the data from this survey will give an indication as to the level of sulphite residues in/on grapes available at retail. A total of 329 samples of fresh grapes were analyzed for the presence of sulphites. Of those samples analyzed 328 samples levels less than 10 ppm and one sample was positive for sulphites (more than 10 ppm).

Although sulphites are permitted for use on grapes there is no obligation on the producer's part to inform the Government of Canada whether their grapes have been treated. Therefore, it is not known if the grape samples collected had been previously treated with sulphites. Should grapes be packaged in a manner that requires a label, the presence of sulphites must be declared, however, most grapes do not require labelling. As such, individuals with a sulphite sensitivity should be aware that grapes may have sulphites residues remaining on the fruit.

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