Artificial food colours

FSA seek voluntary phase out

The Food Standards Agency has called on food manufacturers to remove the 6 artificial colours identified in the ‘Southampton Study’. This study identified a link between 6 colours and children’s behaviour.

The six colours are:

• E102 Tartrazine
• E104 Quinoline Yellow
• E110 Sunset Yellow
• E122 Carmoisine
• E124 Ponceau 4R
• E129 Allura Red

The FSA has proposed voluntary action by UK manufacturers to remove these artificial colours by the end of 2009.

In parallel the EU is also proposing new legislation on food additives. Whilst this is not calling for a ban, it would mean that 18 months after the new law comes into force, food containing any of the six colours used in the Southampton study would need to carry the statement 'consumption may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. This requirement is likely to come into force around the middle of 2010.

If you are a manufacturer based in Kent and want further support to remove these colours from your products please contact us.

For more details visit the FSA website.