Sulfite...treat it like an allergen or not in USA?

Hello All,

We have a product that has red and white wine powder in it.  So it is obviously introducing sulfites into our process and onto our product contact surfaces.  We do not sell this specific product anywhere other than the US.  We do ship some products into Canada, but none that contain either of these ingredients.  Should we be treating the sulfite as an allergen in terms of possible cross contamination with other products that may be going to Canada?  We do a clean and sanitize after this product, so there is little risk of cross contamination anyway, but should we be putting an "allergen" placard on this material while in storage before use?  Should we be using our allergen utensils and such?  Putting an allergen placard on the finished goods?  Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Rich

Here is the list of permitted amounts of food additives depending on the food/additive type

https://www.canada.c...servatives.html

Do you know what the ppm would be from cross contamination? If you're landing anywhere below 10ppm, you should be fine without placards etc

HOWEVER if you think your process is at risk for significant cross contamination, then the process you describe would be a great idea.

It's also not an "allergen" per say

Sulphites (a food additive), which do not cause true allergic reactions, are generally grouped with the priority allergens because sulphite-sensitive individuals may react to sulphites with allergy-like symptoms. Those who have asthma are most at risk to sulphite sensitivity and other forms of sulphite reactions. There is no allergy testing available for sulphites.

Is your product a finished good, or is it just your finished good and a raw material for your Canadian buyers?

Thanks so much for the information.  Much appreciated.

We have plans to do a wash down and sanitize after the product is run regardless of its allergen status.  I would think we would be well less than 10ppm, most probably even zero residual sulfites. 

Product is a blended powder, sold as an ingredient for further processing by our customers in the US.  We only ship finished goods to Canada.  

too be safe, you could also swab post sanitation a few times to confirm your residual levels