Press Release: EFSA evaluates Southampton study on food additives and child behaviour

Scientists at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in March 2008, completed an assessment of a recent study carried out in the United Kingdom on the effect of two mixtures of certain food colours and the preservative sodium benzoate on children’s behaviour. The study, published in 2007 by researchers (McCann et al.) at Southampton University in the UK, suggested a link between these mixtures and hyperactivity in children.

• Primary Source

European Food Safety Authority: Press Release, 14.3.08 (pdf) http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/News_PR/pr_afc_southampton_en.pdf

United Kingdom: Food Standards Agency: News, 11.4.08: Board discusses colours advice http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2008/apr/coloursadvice

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