Colours Ban

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has called for a ban on six artificial colours which are contained in hundreds of food products in the UK. The FSA have recommended ministers call for manufacturers to remove six artificial colours by the end of 2009 and lobby for a European Union-wide ban. The FSA intend to strengthen their warnings to parents about the dangers of the said additives: tartrazine (E102), quinoline yellow (E104), sunset yellow (E110), carmoisine (E122), ponceau 4R (E124) and allura red (E129). The preserveative sodium benzoate (E211) is also under consideration for banning. The six artificial colours are suggested to be linked to hyperactivity in children. A recent study by Southampton University found that the additives made primary school children become distracted and fail a computer attention test. Moreover the researchers have estimated that 30 per cent of cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) would be prevented if companies removed the colours used in food products. The decision to ban these additives has lead to the reformulation of hundreds of products including ice cream, sweets, milkshakes and fizzy drinks produced by some of the country's biggest confectioners and supermarkets. Some products for which replacements to additives have not yet been found, e.g. Mushy Peas and Turkish Delight, may have to be taken off shelves temporarily or permanently. The FSA have stressed that its decision “does not mean there is an immediate ban”. However, they are recommending avoidance of the additives and are considering further action to provide practical help for parents who wish to avoid the colours. The Food and Drink Federation commented on the recommendation saying it was “bizarre” as manufacturers were already removing the additives. “[Most] products don't contain these colours” a statement said. With this in mind the PhunkyFoods Team would like to direct you to the Family Friendly Fact Sheets ‘E-numbers’ and ‘Food Labelling’ for some practical advice about food additives and how to watch out for additives you want to avoid.

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