Do Caramel Colors contain sulfites?
Sulfite Statement Sulfite is used along with ammonia as reactants in making Class IV Caramel Colors. The sulfite gives the Class II and Class IV products their negative charge. The combination of the two reactants allows Class IV products to generate much higher color strengths while maintaining lower viscosity. The higher color strength means more color strength per pound and therefore lower total cost for equivalent color. The lower viscosity allows for easier handling and for longer shelf life. Sulfite in Caramel Color is reacted into the polymer and is therefore not “free sulfite.” “Free” sulfite is a preservative that acts as an oxygen scavenger and is often used for this purpose on foods such as lettuce in salad bars. Sulfite scavenges the oxygen and keeps the lettuce green and slows down wilting. The negative aspect of sulfite is that it is a sensitizing agent. Some people can become sick when exposed to sulfite. Some countries include sulfite on the allergens list. While sulfit
