Food manufacturers could come under increased pressure to scrap artificial colours and flavours from products following the results of a study suggesting a link between additives and hyperactivity in children.
The Southampton University study, first revealed by The Grocer in April, has suggested that eating or drinking certain mixes of artificial food colours with the preservative sodium benzoate could be linked to a negative effect on children's behaviour.
“This has been a major study investigating an important area of research,” said Professor Jim Stevenson from Southampton University and author of the study. “The results suggest that consumption of certain mixes of artificial food colours and sodium benzoate preservative are associated with increases in hyperactive behaviour in children.”
The Food Standards Agency has revised its advice on food additives following the study to suggest that 'if a child shows signs of hyperactivity or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, then eliminating the colours used in the study from their diet might have some beneficial effects'.
Manufacturers and retailers have been working to ditch additives from their products for some time. This year Sainsbury's, Asda and Marks & Spencer have all announced plans to scrap additives from certain products.
“Manufacturers are very aware of consumer sensitivities about the use of additives in food and drink products,” said Julian Hunt, director of communications for the Food and Drink Federation. “As a responsible industry, we shall be studying the detail of the research and companies will clearly take account of these findings as part of their ongoing review of product formulations.”
The Southampton University study, first revealed by The Grocer in April, has suggested that eating or drinking certain mixes of artificial food colours with the preservative sodium benzoate could be linked to a negative effect on children's behaviour.
“This has been a major study investigating an important area of research,” said Professor Jim Stevenson from Southampton University and author of the study. “The results suggest that consumption of certain mixes of artificial food colours and sodium benzoate preservative are associated with increases in hyperactive behaviour in children.”
The Food Standards Agency has revised its advice on food additives following the study to suggest that 'if a child shows signs of hyperactivity or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, then eliminating the colours used in the study from their diet might have some beneficial effects'.
Manufacturers and retailers have been working to ditch additives from their products for some time. This year Sainsbury's, Asda and Marks & Spencer have all announced plans to scrap additives from certain products.
“Manufacturers are very aware of consumer sensitivities about the use of additives in food and drink products,” said Julian Hunt, director of communications for the Food and Drink Federation. “As a responsible industry, we shall be studying the detail of the research and companies will clearly take account of these findings as part of their ongoing review of product formulations.”
No comments yet