Warning Labels on Products with Azo Dyes Likely

[Tamara Pano]

http://focus.fdii.ie/e_article001104810.cfm?x=b11,0,w

Warning labels for potential to cause hyperactivity in children on products using certain azo dyes looks a real possibility following recent developments in the European Parliament and Commission.

A European Commission Working Group on Additives met recently to discuss potential action on the *Southampton Colours and while stopping short of a full ban or restrictions on their use, it was decided that a warning label on hyperactivity and children’s behaviour could be progressed. This would be achieved by an amendment to the review of the Additives legislation, which is nearing completion.

The Commission will also ask European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to assess the allergenicity of the colours amid concerns that they may also be allergens. The EFSA is also separately reviewing the safety of all additives, with priority being given to these colours but no opinions have yet been published.

FDII has met with Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the issue and promoted a position that there should be no national restrictions on additive usage until after the European Food Safety Authority reviews and also that any decisions should be based on science. FDII has also sent a briefing document on additive usage in Ireland for our MEP’s.

*The Southampton Colours are: sunset yellow (E110), tartrazine (E102), carmoisine (E122), ponceau 4R (E124), quinoline yellow (E104), allura red (E129)