Retains Whiteness

Retains Whiteness" is a functional description on food labels for ingredients added to prevent discoloration and maintain a light, appealing color in foods. These ingredients, such as sulfites, work by acting as antioxidants to stop chemical reactions that cause browning. Sulfites are chemical compounds containing sulfur and oxygen, often manufactured for food preservation.

These ingredients act as antioxidants and preservatives, stopping chemical reactions that lead to color changes and spoilage. They are often found in dried fruits, wines, and processed foods like shredded coconut, where they help keep the product looking fresh and white.

In the US, sulfites are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for most people, though they are regulated as food additives. However, some individuals, especially those with asthma, can be sensitive or allergic to sulfites, experiencing reactions like hives, breathing difficulties, or digestive upset. The FDA requires sulfites to be declared on food labels if they are present above certain levels. JECFA has evaluated sulfites and set an acceptable daily intake.