Yours were probably in controlled environments that didn't encourage any nasty growth.

These preservatives, other than probably intending to murder us slowly or at least damage our health until we break free of them, are to keep them on the shelf and stable even if it's in bad locations e.g. sunlight, high humidity/heat, etc.

I'm not a big fan of pickles, but when I get them I have a local business that does only the necessities to pickle and if applicable add flavor.

They taste far, far better than industrial pickles.