Watchdogs to consider food colouring research

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been informed by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) about findings of researchers from Southampton University which suggest that a mixture of certain food colours and the preservative sodium benzoate could be linked to an adverse effect on the behaviour of hyperactive children. These colours are already under consideration by EFSA as part of a re-evaluation of the safety of all food colours.

EFSA: Press Release, 6.9.07: EFSA to consider new UK study on behavioural changes associated with certain food colours http://www.efsa.eu.int/EFSA/News_PR/ps_afc_colours_fsa_en,0.pdf

UK: Food Standards Agency: Press Release, 6.9.07: Agency revises advice on certain artificial colours http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2007/sep/foodcolours

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