The Nation - News from Dec. 30, 1987

The Environmental Protection Agency said it will not permit table grapes to be shipped or imported in 1988 if they contain detectable residues of sulfite compounds. The agency said it was extending for one year a requirement that importers and shippers certify that their grapes contain no detectable residues of the compounds. After Dec. 31, the agency will not allow an option in which shippers could put placards announcing sulfur dioxide treatment on 40% of the bunches in a box. Sulfites are formed from the sulfur dioxide used to prevent rotting during shipment and storage. Some sensitive consumers, mainly asthmatics, can have a reaction to sulfites. Most U.S. table grapes come from California or Chile.