The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has determined that a recent study linking artificial food colors to increased hyperactivity is not sufficient to serve as a basis for changing current Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) levels in Europe.
The study, which was carried out by researchers at Southampton University in the UK (McCann et al, Lancet, 2007), tested two different drink "cocktails" that contained sodium benzoate and one of two different artificial food color mixtures. The researchers found an association between consumption of these cocktails and increased hyperactivity in two groups of children ages 3 and 8-9, respectively.
To determine the implications of this study for the general population, an EFSA panel reviewed the study in detail and concluded that, although the findings may be relevant for children who are sensitive to food additives, it is not possible to apply these findings to the general population for several reasons. First, because the food colors and additive were administered as a mixture, it is not possible to isolate one food color or additive that could be causing the results. In addition, the panel concluded the effect on children’s behavior was relatively weak, and the change in behavior was not consistent between the two age groups. They also concluded, with input from behavioral experts, that "it is not known whether the small changes in attention and activity observed would interfere with schoolwork or other intellectual functioning." (EFSA press release, "EFSA evaluates Southampton study on food additives and child behavior" March 14, 2008) .
EFSA is in the process of individually reviewing all food colors approved in Europe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated it "has no reason to change our conclusions that the ingredients that were tested in this study that are currently permitted for food use in the U.S. are safe for the general population." ("Five Controversial Food Additives," Newsweek Web Exclusive, March 13, 2008).
For more information visit IFIC Foundation’s Food Ingredients & Colors Brochure at: http://www.ific.org/publications/brochures/foodingredandcolorsbroch.cfm.
