Allergen guide
🍇 Sulphites and Babies: Dried Fruit and Labels
Sulphites are preservatives found in some dried fruit, sausages and drinks, and there is no need to introduce them on purpose. Reactions are uncommon in babies and are more likely in children with asthma.
When to introduce sulphites
Sulphites are preservatives rather than a food, so there is no special time to introduce them. Your baby may meet them from around 6 months in foods like dried apricots, raisins or sausages. Sulphite sensitivity is uncommon in babies and is more often seen in people with asthma. Choosing unsulphured dried fruit and checking labels is a simple way to keep things gentle. If your baby has asthma or wheezes, speak to your GP if you are unsure.
How to start
- Check labels for sulphur dioxide or sulphites, often shown as E220 to E228
- Choose unsulphured dried fruit where you can, which is usually darker in colour
- Offer a small amount of a sulphite-containing food earlier in the day
- Soak dried fruit and chop it finely to make it easier to eat
- Watch how your baby gets on, especially if they have asthma
First ways to offer it
- Finely chopped dried apricots soaked and stirred into porridge
- Soaked raisins mashed into yoghurt
- Dried mango soaked until soft and blended into puree
- Small pieces of low salt sausage, cooked through
Keep it going
There is no need to keep sulphites in your baby's diet. Dried fruit is fine as part of meals, but it is sticky and sweet, so offering it with food rather than as a snack is kinder to little teeth.
Signs of a mild reaction
- A red, blotchy or raised itchy rash, often around the mouth or on the face
- Mild swelling of the lips, face or around the eyes
- Itchy or red skin
- A runny or blocked nose, sneezing or watery eyes
- Being sick, tummy ache or diarrhoea
If you notice mild signs, stop offering the food and speak to your doctor or health visitor before trying again.
Signs of a severe reaction
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Trouble breathing, or noisy, fast or hard breathing
- Wheezing, or a cough that will not stop
- A hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing
- Becoming pale and floppy, or suddenly very sleepy
- Collapse, or not responding to you
Call 999 straight away and say you think your baby is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If your baby has been given an adrenaline auto-injector, use it now. Do not wait to see if it settles. If you only see mild signs, stop offering the food and speak to your GP or health visitor before trying it again.
Where sulphites can hide
- Dried fruit such as apricots, raisins and mango
- Sausages and burgers
- Fruit squash and cordials
- Some vinegars and pickles
- Potato products and some crisps
Foods in our database that contain it
Allergens with OBubba
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Questions parents ask
Are sulphites a common allergy in babies?
No, reactions are uncommon in babies. They are more often seen in people with asthma, so check with your GP if your baby has breathing issues.
What does unsulphured dried fruit look like?
It is usually darker and less bright, such as brown rather than orange apricots. Check the label to be sure.
Why are sulphites on the allergen list?
They are one of the 14 ingredients that must be highlighted on UK food labels, because some people are sensitive to them.
Other allergens
Sources
- NHS: Food allergies in babies and young children
- BSACI: Early feeding guidance
- NHS Start for Life: Weaning
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).