Brussels, 06/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has called on the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to provide it with a scientific opinion, by the end of the year, on the possible links between certain food colourings and increased hyperactivity among children. A study carried out by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been sent to EFSA to provide a basis for its scientific assessment.
According to this study, the consumption of certain mixes of artificial food colourings, together with the food preservative E211 (sodium benzoate) may have an adverse effect on children's behaviour.
EFSA's opinion will allow the Commission to decide if measures have to be taken, as part of the review which is currently taking place of Community legislation on food additives. (an)