Even though you think you may be looking at the ingredients of everything that you feed your parrot - there are hidden dangers
that do lurk in every bag if you are not careful…and it’s Sulfur Dioxide
What is Sulfur Dioxide?
Sulfur Dioxide is inorganic sulfur. This means that there are no carbon bonds in its chemical makeup. It is produced naturally by
volcanoes and by the burning of petrochemical products. When it combines with Nitrogen Dioxide it produces Acid Rain. It has
been used as a preservative since the 1880’s as both a solvent and as an early refrigerant. We have also seen reference to its use
as a poisonous gas used in executions. Yikes! Although the US FDA did ban its use in fresh fruit and vegetables (except
potatoes) in 1986 (after 12 asthmatics were known to have died from sulfite triggered attacks) it is still allowed to be used if the
amount used does not exceed 10PPM (parts per million) Only then is it required to appear on the label as being used – and here
lies the problem.
What is Sulfuring?
Sulfuring is a common way to prevent the oxidation of fruit when drying so that it holds the bright cheery colors that we
humans like so much. This is by either sulfuring (burning sulfur in an enclosed box with the fruit so the smoke and fumes get into
the fruit) or by dipping (soaking fruit in a sodium solution). Both of these methods are currently used in commercial dried fruit
production. Sulfur Dioxide is the most commonly used sulfuring agent. When you see those bright orange and yellow colors – I
guarantee Sulfur Dioxide has been used in the process and unfortunately you won’t see it listed on the label.
Why Do I Think It’s So Bad?
Simply - it is yet another chemical you are adding to your parrots’ diet. By allowing your parrot to eat products that contain
chemicals you are adding things that they would never have consumed in their natural diet habitat and therefore you are
potentially putting their health in danger. Do you want to risk possible health concerns in your parrot resulting in a vet bill or
spend a little more money upfront by being careful with what you feed?
What Could Happen?
Studies have shown allergies to be the most common. Sulfur is a known trigger for asthma which can cause severe headaches
and even seizures. It has also been proven that 30% to 65% of children with asthma are sensitive to sulfites. Remember, parrots
can have allergies too, so it’s not too far stretched to link some of the problems we see in parrots as being due to sulfur added
to their diets. Just think about the size/amounts we feed our parrots. A single dried apricot that has been sulfured can trigger an
allergic reaction in an adult - but my CAG, too, is perfectly capable of eating a whole dried apricot, yet he is significantly smaller so the sulfur would be much more concentrated into his body. Parrots have been known to display allergic reactions to sulfur
dioxide in the following ways: Aggression, hyperactivity, feather destruction, and breathing problems (and the list can go on
and on) If you have witnessed any of these symptoms-even on a small scale, there is a strong possibility it could be a food
reaction.
Of course I suppose there is always a chance that nothing could happen and your parrot could live a long life, but are you really
willing to risk it?