In a study commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), researchers at South- ampton University tested the consumption by three-year-olds and eight- to-nine-year-olds of 'E numbers' commonly found in processed foods and drinks.
The additives tested were food colourings tartrazine (E102), ponceau 4R (E124), sunset yellow (E110), carmoisine (E122), quinoline yellow (E104) and allura red AC (E129) and preservative sodium benzoate (E211).
A source at Southampton University allegedly told food industry magazine The Grocer that the results supported findings first made seven years ago that linked additives to behavioural problems such as temper tantrums, poor concentration, hyperactivity and allergic reactions. The FSA's committee on toxicity of chemicals in food decided the results from the original research were inconclusive, and commissioned further study.
The latest findings will be reviewed by other experts over the next few months before the FSA releases the final report.
Lizzie Vann, founder of organic children's food company Organix, said, 'It's fantastic that the FSA is taking this issue seriously, but it is frustrating that it is taking so long to publish the results of the trial.
I really believe in a few years time we will look back and wonder what on earth we were doing allowing the food industry to test these chemicals on children's health.'
