Thursday 12 November 2009
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published its scientific opinions on six artificial food colours.
In 2007 the Food Standards Agency-commissioned 'Southampton study' was published. This study looked into the effects of six artificial food colours and a preservative on the behaviour of children.
The six colours are:
sunset yellow FCF (E110)
quinoline yellow (E104)
carmoisine (E122)
allura red (E129)
tartrazine (E102)
ponceau 4R (E124)
The findings of the study suggested that if a child shows signs of hyperactivity or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) then eliminating the colours used in the Southampton study from their diet might have some beneficial effects.
On the basis of the evidence from this peer reviewed study, UK Ministers and the FSA asked UK industry to voluntarily remove the six colours from food and drink in the UK by the end of this year. In addition, the EU agreed that from July 2010 food and drink containing these colours should carry labelling to inform consumers that these colours may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
SAL are able to test for the presence and quantities of these compounds in a variety of foodstuffs. If you require further details or need to test for these food colours, namely, sunset yellow (E110), Quinoline yellow (E104), Carmoisine (E122) , allura red (E129), tartrazine (E102), ponceau 4R (E124) please call and ask to speak to Dr. Naresh Patel.