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New evidence links E-numbers to hyperactivity |
Daily Telegraph May 09th 2007 [Tam Fry]
Parents were told yesterday to avoid artificial colours commonly found in sweets and soft drinks amid growing fears over their effect on children's behaviour. New research backed by the Government is believed to have established a fresh link between the additives and hyperactivity, restlessness and tantrums. Research commissioned by the Food Standards Agency analysed the effect of seven synthetic colourings and preservatives found in dozens of products.
Many of the additives are outlawed in other countries including America and Japan - as well as leading supermarkets in the UK. The conclusions are expected to reflect findings made in an earlier Government-sponsored study that found children's behaviour worsened the more they were exposed to the additives. Some also suffered allergic reactions.
Health experts last night called for an all-out ban. Ian Tokelove, a spokesman for the Food Commission, an independent watchdog, said: "The majority of additives are unnecessary from a nutritional point of view - they are there to make food more colourful or change the flavour. Studies have already shown they have an effect on children's behaviour and we would all be better off without them."
Tam Fry said: "We would be happy to see all additives go. They are often in cheap food that is high in fat, sugar and salt. "Parents who have little disposable income allow their children to have it because it does a fantastic job in temporarily filling them up - but it is devoid of nutrients." |
