Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : FDA to Ban Sulfites for Use on Potatoes

The Food and Drug Administration announced it will extend a ban on the use of sulfites to include fresh potatoes because of severe allergic reactions to the preservative, including four deaths. The ban is expected to go into effect in 30 days. In 1986, the FDA banned the use of sulfites on fruit and produce in salad bars but potatoes were excluded from the ban after strong industry lobbying. The agency said it has received nearly 1,000 complaints of adverse reactions to sulfites since 1985. Most of the reported reactions were mild, including dizziness, cramps or wheezing. But some reactions cause breathing difficulty that can lead to death.