Media resources on effects of artificial colours on
children’s behaviour
Two media releases from the Food
Intolerance Network:
Lancet
Artificial food colour and additives commonly found in children's
food exacerbate hyperactive behaviours in children, at least up to middle
childhood, according to a research article. Importantly, these adverse effects
are reported in children in the general population and across a wide range of
severities of hyperactivity, and not just in those with extreme hyperactivity
as established in previous studies (login required) http://www.thelancet.com/
13/9/2007 Comments from the Food
Intolerance Network on the recent FSANZ Factsheet “Effects of artificial
colours on children's behaviour”
“New research into the possible effects of artificial food colours on children’s behaviour
was published on 6 September, 2007 in the medical journal The
Lancet. This study has been reviewed by experts in the United Kingdom
and is described by the Food Standards Agency there as a helpful additional contribution to our knowledge on the possible effects of artificial food
colours on children’s behaviour.”
COMMENT
from FIN: Over 30 years of research have consistently
shown that there are negative effects from colours. The few studies which did
not support this view can be criticised on procedural grounds. The latest
study, published in the Lancet on 6//9/2007, is a gold-standard double-blind placebo-controlled
study with over 300 children. It is time to stop minimising the harm and to
stop talking about “possible” effects – effects are proven by the best that
science can manage. To say otherwise is patronising to both science and
parents….FSANZfactsheet.htm
Center for Science in the Public
Interest CSPI – Diet, ADHD and Behaviour: a quarter century review.
Reviewed 25 years of studies and concluded that the
appropriate public health response would be to remove offending artificial
colours from foods that children consume. http://cspinet.org/diet.html
10/09/2007- The food industry faces losing
credibility over its reaction to the latest study throwing suspect light on
chemical additives.
The rather anodyne initial reaction of food industry groups
and the UK regulator to a major study on six of the main artificial colour
additives and one preservative is rather puzzling given their stated commitment
to promoting "nutrition, health and wellness". The statements by
industry in relation to the University of Southampton study can only serve to
damage the credibility carefully built up over the years to promote themselves
as movers in that direction…http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/printNewsBis.asp?id=79610
6/9/2007 – The Financial Times takes
the UK food regulator to task for a weak response: Watchdogs to consider food
colouring research
European food authorities on Thursday promised to consider
the British research showing a link between hyperactivity in children and food
colourings, in a move that could have widespread implications for the industry.
The European Food Safety Authority has been reassessing published research on
food colourings this year as part of an overall review of food additives and
has begun issuing fresh advice on specific colours. It will review the UK
findings this month and rule on the use of one of the additives, Allura Red, on
which the report was based….http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0629d616-5ca9-11dc-9cc9-0000779fd2ac.html
Recent Oz media reports
www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=206&objectid=10462182
www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2007/s2026391.htm
