Gerbs Allergy Friendly Dried Fruit Mixes include NO Sugar Added Tropical Dried Fruit Mix, Tropical Dried Fruit Diced Cubes Mix, Dried Blueberry and Cranberry Fruit Mix, Figs and Date Dried Fruit Medley and our ever popular Super 5 Dried Fruit Mix. All Gerbs Dried Fruits are sulphur dioxide FREE, potassium sorbate FREE, sodium benzoate FREE, and sodium nitrate FREE as are all of Gerbs Dried Fruits and are sourced by the Buyers at Gerbs who partner with one of the world’s most dedicated natural, non-GMO, and organic farms.

WHAT IS SULPHUR DIOXIDE?
Sulfur dioxide was used by the Romans in winemaking when they discovered that burning sulfur candles inside empty wine vessels kept them fresh and more oderless. Sulfites, such as sulfur dioxide, not only help prevent foods from becoming discolored, they also discourage the growth of bacteria. Gerbs Dried Fruits and Dried Fruit Mixes are Sulphur Dioxide free because in sensitive individuals, sulfites can cause allergic reactions. These allergic reactions can be relatively mild, such as hives, or more severe — such as difficulty breathing and potentially fatal anaphylactic shock.

WHAT IS POTASSIUM SORBATE?
Gerbs Dried Fruits are Potassium Sorbate Free. Potassium sorbate is used as a preservative in a number of foods, since its anti-microbial properties stop the growth and spread of harmful bacteria and molds. It is used in cheese, baked goods, syrups and jams. It is also used as a preservative for dehydrated foods like jerky and dried fruit, as it does not leave an aftertaste. The use of potassium sorbate increases the shelf life of foods, so many dietary supplements also include it. It is commonly used in wine production because it stops the yeast from continuing to ferment in the bottles.

The Organics Institute recommends avoiding all processed or prepackaged foods, and when you are not able to, choose foods that contain natural preservatives, such as ascorbic acid, citric acid, vinegar, salt and sugar.