Sun-dried tomatoes, Aviator brand, recalled due to concerns over unlabeled sulfites

A brand of sun-dried tomatoes has been recalled after food inspectors detected traces of sulfites in the product that weren't labeled on the packaging.

Global Veg Corp. issued the nationwide recall last week for its 5-pound packages of “Aviator Sundried Tomato Halves,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Recall database:Here is publicly available recall data, including consumer products, food, drug and automotive

What are sulfites?

Sulfites pose a serious and even life-threatening threat to those with a severe sensitivity to the chemical, which is used as a preservative to slow down browning and discoloration in foods and beverages.

While sulfites are common in many products, as well as a variety of medications, those with a sensitivity to them can avoid sulfites by checking labels, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Those with a sensitivity can develop asthmatic and allergy symptoms ranging from mild wheezing to potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions if they consume sulfites, the Cleveland Clinic said.

No illnesses reported from consuming tomatoes

No illnesses have been reported since New York food inspectors discovered that sulfites were distributed in packages without a label indicating their presence, according to the FDA.

Consumers who purchased the tomatoes can return them for a full refund. Anyone with questions can call New York-based Global Veg Corp. at 201-367-0517.

How do I avoid products that contain sulfites?

If you have a sulfite sensitivity, the Cleveland Clinic recommends some ways to avoid accidently consuming items that could trigger a reaction. Primarily, the clinic recommends checking for these sulfite-containing ingredients on the label of food, beverages and medication before you buy them:

• Sulfur dioxide
• Potassium bisulfite
• Potassium metabisulfite
• Sodium bisulfite
• Sodium metabisulfite
• Sodium sulfite

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com