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EU hesitant on food colouring ban
23 Apr 2008
European Union officials are unlikely to introduce a ban on six artificial food colourings linked to hyperactivity in children, a report claims.
Recent findings from a UK-led study questioned the safety of colourings found in many drinks, cakes and sweets and prompted national experts from the EU's 27 member states to discuss the dangers.
The European Commission stated that it is still in debate and will "assess the outcome of the discussion to see whether further action needs to be taken".
However Reuters reports that behind the scenes officials have hinted that there is "little chance of action" on the ban for several months, "if at all".
"I suspect [the Commission] are some way away from a decision," an unnamed EU diplomat told the news agency.
"They just don't have the evidence base to suggest that these are definitely unsafe."
He added: "Very few member states support taking immediate action so it's definitely a slow burner."
In 2007, researchers based at Southampton University suggested use of additives including tartrazine (E102), quinoline yellow (E104), sunset yellow (E110), ponceau (E124), allura red (E129), carmoisine (E122) and sodium benzoate (E211) might cause child hyperactivity, based on tests of around 300 children.
The UK's government watchdog the Food Standards Agency has called for a voluntary ban of the colourings however the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) still remains unconvinced by the findings.
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