Ziyad says the only way FDA can know about sulfite-sensitivity problems is through consumer and physician reports. Adverse reaction reporting is totally voluntary, and FDA encourages physicians to report patients' reactions to sulfites. But there are times when such reactions are not medically treated because the individual doesn't go to the doctor with the condition or the symptoms are not recognized. Such information would help FDA evaluate the current status of problems with foods among sulfite- sensitive individuals. The agency's Adverse Reaction Monitoring System collects and acts on complaints concerning all food ingredients including preservatives.
Preservatives are a puzzle for many consumers that can sometimes raise safety concerns.
Even though these concerns are usually unfounded, some industry publications are reporting attempts to find naturally occurring substitutes for synthetic antioxidants. In a 1990 article, one such publication, Inform, says alternatives to synthetics are commercially available in the United States, although most are generally more costly or have other drawbacks. Also, some herbs and herb extracts, such as rosemary and sage, can do the work of antioxidants, but they impart strong color or flavors. And just because these are plant-derived doesn't necessarily mean they are always safe. Inform points to the FDA rule that newly identified natural antioxidants, like other new food additives, must undergo rigorous toxicological tests before they can be approved.