14 Nov, 2008 - Foods containing any of the six colourings highlighted in a study by Southampton University as affecting children's behaviour will have to carry a warning on their labels under new EU regulations due to come into force in the middle of 2010.
The additional label information on foods containing E102 Tartrazine, E104 Quinoline Yellow , E110 Sunset Yellow, E122 Carmoisine, E124 Ponceau 4R or E129 Allura Red will be obliged to state: "Consumption may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".
The forthcoming rule change was highlighted by UK Food Standards Agency Chief Executive Tim Smith in a letter to stakeholders giving an update on the UK position on six artificial food colours and their effect on children's behaviour.
He explained that an agreement reached between the European Union's Council of Ministers and Parliament during the second reading of the EC Food Improvement Agents Package means "that 18 months after the new food additives Regulation comes into force, food placed on the market containing any of the six colours used in the Southampton study should carry additional label information that 'consumption may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. This requirement is likely to come into force around mid- 2010."
The letter from the FSA chief also reiterated that Government Ministers have now agreed with the FSA proposal for a voluntary ban on these colours. The FSA recommendation followed the Southampton study which looked into the effects of these colours, and proposed voluntary action by UK manufacturers to remove these artificial colours by the end of 2009.
In his letter, Mr Smith said: "The FSA Board had agreed that the advice to Ministers and consumers should focus on the six artificial colours used in the Southampton study, as the primary function of sodium benzoate was as a preservative. It agreed to advise Ministers that there should be voluntary action by UK manufacturers to remove these artificial colours by 2009, with parallel action in the EU to phase them out over a specified period. It also agreed that the FSA advice to parents should be updated to reflect the Board’s discussions."
Referring to EU-wide activity, he added: "Within Europe there is the on-going review of all food additives (which started with food colours) being undertaken by EFSA and separately, negotiations on the EC Food Improvements Agents Package which comprises proposals for new legislation on food additives to update the existing legislation which has been in place since the mid-1990’s.
"Negotiations on this package started in 2006. During the second reading of the EC Food Improvement Agents Package the European Parliament proposed amendments in response to the results of the Southampton Study. As part of a second reading deal, the Council of Ministers and Parliament have agreed that 18 months after the new food additives Regulation comes into force, food placed on the market containing any of the six colours used in the Southampton study should carry additional label information that 'consumption may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. This requirement is likely to come into force around mid- 2010."
Referring to activity within the UK, Mr Smith commented: "Ministers have agreed with the approach proposed by the Board, regarding voluntary action in the UK. This is on the basis that the FSA takes a proportionate and targeted approach to the issue, including flexibility around the products covered and target dates.
"Ministers have also requested that the FSA works with those manufacturers and retailers who are unable to comply by the proposed deadline of end of 2009. In taking account of this advice colleagues will shortly be contacting the food industry and retailers for information regarding product categories where a longer phase-out period may be required, before engaging in further discussions with the industry."