The Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom has decided to ban six food colours to reduce the risk of mood swings and other neurological and behavioral problems in children following consumption of cakes, cookies, drinks and other brightly coloured sweets.
Researchers projected that removal of these food colours from all food could prevent 30% of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cases. Scientists likened their detrimental effects to those of lead on children's development.
A new campaign supported by over 100 influential health professionals, educators, food manufacturers and child support service providers, focuses on the banning of the same additives in Australia.
The Kids First Campaign will demand that Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), follow the UK's lead by placing consumers first and banning the six additives in question from Australian food. If successful, it will be the first time that food regulators have accepted the importance of behaviour and learning as criteria in approval processes.
The six colours are: Tartrazine 102, Quinoline Yellow 104, Sunset Yellow 110, Carmoisine 122, Ponceau Red 124 and Allura Red 129.
You can help by signing the on-line petition at www.additivealert.com.au
