Determination of Sulfites in Dried Fruits and Its Health Risk Assessment

Abstract

Sulfur dioxide belongs to sulfiting agent group that is widely used in food products as a preservative. This study aims to assess the concentration of sulfite in dried fruits and its health risk assessment. Three types of dried fruits: apricots, raisins and dates were sampled in this study. The results indicated that the dried fruits: apricots, raisins and dates sold in bulk have higher concentration of sulfite compared to the same fruits sold in package. The mean concentration for apricots, raisins and dates sold in bulk were 1230.0 mg/kg, 1228.6 mg/kg and 1218.8 mg/kg, respectively. The reason of this difference could be due to the rate of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) loss which depends on the food product composition as well as storage temperature. All of dried fruits for both bulk and packaged were within the permissible limit of Malaysian Food Regulations 1985. Apricots with the highest sulfite concentration in bulk dried fruits also have the highest ratio of Hazard Index (HI) which is > 1. However, such frequent consumption of the highest residues was unlikely. Children were the most vulnerable group compared to adult. Consumers who have allergies for sulfites should caution the intake of dried fruits. Thus, continuous monitoring and stricter regulation of sulfites use in food products should be in place.