10 Apr 08 Color Ban

The Foods Standard Agency in the United Kingdom has called for a ban on six atificial food colorings after research found there to be a link between them and hyperactivity in children.

In the fall of 2007,  some 300 children were given one of two drinks. One had the amount of colorings in that the average child might have in a day, the other drink had no additives at all.

The hyperactivity levels of the children were measured before and after consuming the drink they were given, and those that had the drink with the additive in all showed increased signs of hyperactivity.

The colorings that were tested are;

• Sunset Yellow
• Carmoisine
• Tartrazine
• Ponceau
• Quinoline Yellow
• Allura Red

I would assume that these additives could also have an effect on adults too, if taken in large enough quantities. Personally, I do not drink any kind of soda or artificial fruit drinks, but I know plenty of people that do, and give copious quantities to their kids as well. Whilst there’s probably no case for panic or alarm, I think everyone is wise to check labels for dubious looking ingredients. I tend to go for wholesome fresh foods where possible, as I truly beleive they are better for you, both in terms of nutritional value, and for a lack of additives, and unecessary salt, fat and sugar content too.

Tags: additives, adults, artificial fruit, carmoisine, copious quantities, food colorings, fresh foods, fruit drinks, hyperactivity, hyperactivity in children, labels, signs, soda, sunset, united kingdom, wild kids