We have had a few emails asking about Potassium Sorbate in dried fruits. Our visitors wonder two things:
1. Can you tell me if Potassium Sorbate in Dried Fruits is as bad as Sulphur Dioxide?
2. Is Potassium Sorbate Harmful for my Baby?
What is Potassium Sorbate? According to the Merriam Webster Medical Dictornary, potassium sorbate is “: a potassium salt C6H7KO2 of sorbic acid used especially as a food preservative” It inhibits mold growth amongst the growth of other icky things! On a very positive note – many cosmetic makers are using potassium sorbate in their products as they begin to eliminate dangerous parabens!
Potassium sorbate is a natural preservative that is found in many types of dried fruits. This is a more naturally occurring compound and is far better for your health than is sulphur dioxide. Dried fruits that contain potassium sorbate should not pose any adverse health consequences to your infant. Using dried fruits that contain potassium sorbate should not pose any adverse health consequences to your infant. Of course, using dried fruits with potassium sorbate should be kept to a minimum. I always feel that erring on the side of caution and going for the natural is always best! Stay away from sulphur dioxide dried fruits!
Sulphur dioxide is commonly found in dried fruits; it is not a naturally occurring chemical. Using dried fruits that contain sulphur dioxide should not pose any adverse health consequences to your infant however we do not recommend that dried fruits containing this preservative become a staple in your infant’s diet! Dried fruits that have sulphur dioxide in them also tend to leave an icky aftertaste.
We try to encourage people to buy naturally dried fruits whenever possible. You should be able to find naturally dried fruits in your local grocery; a natural foods shop would also carry fruits that are dried naturally and without preservatives. We love the dried fruits and veggies from Just Tomatoes