Sulfur dioxide generating pads or sheets for storage of grapes
Sulfur dioxide generating pads (or sheets) are packed with grapes post-harvest to control various fungal rots. These products contain sodium metabisulfite (also spelt metabisulphite) which reacts with moisture in the grape container, releasing sulfur dioxide. This prevents infection of grapes by various fungi during storage and transportation. Sodium metabisulfite is also an approved food additive for other food commodities.
Sulfur dioxide generating pads/sheets review
Status: Review not necessary - label amendments completed
This group of products was nominated for review in 2002 based on concerns about occupational health and safety and sulphur dioxide residues.
Following consultation with partner agencies the APVMA found that a comprehensive review was not necessary, however it was recommended that the labels of these products be revised. The labels have now been updated to harmonise them with the labels of similar sulfur dioxide-generating bag products and to comply with current labeling standards.
These changes provide clearer instructions for the storage and re-handling of grapes packed with these products as well as safety directions and disposal instructions for the product after use.
Refrigerated storage of treated grape containers is important to maintain grape quality and to avoid excessive release of sulphur dioxide.
Additionally labels now state that grape pallets or larger containers containing grapes packed with sulfur dioxide-releasing pads or sheets should be appropriately labeled to advise supply chain handlers of the storage requirements and to warn asthmatic or sulfite-sensitive workers that they should avoid opening stored grapes and handling the product. The APVMA does not require that individual cartons of grapes be labeled
If you wish to download and print additional copies of the warning notice for use in packing sheds it can be accessed below.
There were no environmental concerns raised as part of the nomination of this active. The human health and residue concerns have been assessed as being mitigated by suitable label instructions. There is no MRL set for sulphur dioxide in fresh grapes, however maximum permissible levels of 10mg/kg for Sulphur dioxide and sodium and potassium sulphites are included in the FSANZ Food Standards Code (Standard 1.3.1) (external site) for fresh grapes.
APVMA sulphur dioxide generator pads resources
| Title | Date |
|---|---|
| 11 June 2009 |
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