In 1983 it was revealed that leaded petrol could seriously stunt children's growth and intelligence, and thankfully it was phased out by the year 2000. Now there is a new nemesis for our children's health which may be just as lethal, and those are E-numbers. Since research conducted in the 1970's highlighted a link between artificial food colourings and behavioural problems in children, health agencies have continuously lobbied for the ban of additives and preservatives in food targeted at children.

Until now, studies have only yielded minor correlations between the effect of additives and the decline in intelligence in children, including research commissioned by the European Food Standards Agency who claimed the evidence was "limited". However, a recent study which was commissioned by the UK Food Standards Agency and published in September 2007, concluded that additives are indeed very serious risk to the health of our children. The FSA paid 750,000 for researchers at Southampton University to test the effects of 6 E-numbers, with concerning results.

Professor Jim Stevenson, who led the research, revealed that his evidence was as damning as the studies carried out into lead petrol in the 1980's. Namely, that leaded petrol can reduce a child's IQ by 5.5 IQ points and that additives have an effect on IQ to almost the exact same degree.

When faced with criticism of his study, Stevenson replied with an 18 page rebuttal, including the following case: "We would argue that the findings from our own study and the previous research overviewed by the Efsa would lead to the same conclusion as was reached by Professor Sir Michael Rutter in relation to lead in 1983. Namely that for food colours there is 'justification for action now'."

The good news is that leading confectionary brands, which are as yet unnamed, have pledged to remove the 6 artificial colourants from their products by the end of 2009, which was the maximum time for withdrawal as recommended by Stevenson and his team. For now, the information is in the hands of FSA board members who will make a decision on what suggestions will be made to ministers regarding this issue.