Date

Quick verdict

Status: OK

Concern

Allergy is possible but uncommon. Dates can trigger food-allergy symptoms such as hives, rash, flushed skin, itchy mouth, or swelling of lips/tongue/face. Date-palm fruit allergy has been reported in medical literature, and cross-reactions with pollen/other foods are possible.

Dried dates may contain sulfites, depending on the product. Sulfites in dried fruits can cause reactions in sensitive people, including dermatitis, urticaria/hives, flushing, asthma-type symptoms, and rarely severe reactions. Check the label for “sulfites,” “sulfur dioxide,” “metabisulfite,” etc.