Food additives are again being blamed for temper tantrums, poor concentration and hyperactivity in children. New findings by Southampton University in the UK once again link EU approved additives to behavioural problems..

Parents are being advised not to give children food containing certain additives until the results of a new study are published. The additives tested in the study are approved for use in the EU and are supposedly 'safe'.

The University team tested Tartrazine (E102), Ponceau (E124), Sunset Yellow (E110), Carmoisine (E122), Quinoline Yellow (E104) and Allura Red (E129) on groups of three-year olds and eight-to-nine year olds.
A source at the University told food industry magazine the Grocer that their results supported findings first made seven years ago that linked the additives to behavioural problems such as temper tantrums, poor concentration, hyperactivity and allergic reactions.

The additives in the study were chosen as those an average child consumes in a day, and were the typical additives found in products like ready meals and those containing artificial colourings.

Independent experts said parents should avoid foodstuffs containing the additives.

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