Additives and children's behaviour

Posted by Andrew Wadge on May 8th 2007 in Science, safety and health

You may have seen the media coverage today on additives and the study that the Agency has commissioned. The study looks at the effects certain artificial food colours and a preservative may or may not have on the behaviour of children. The research was carried out on behalf of the FSA by the University of Southampton.

The FSA carries out and commissions extensive scientific research and survey work to ensure that our advice to the public is based on the best and most up-to-date food science. We are advised in our work by independent scientific experts.

The Agency is currently working with the scientists who carried out this research to ensure the findings go through a rigorous peer review process and are published in a scientific journal. Peer review is the process of submitting scientific findings for review by other experts in the field, via publication in a scientific journal. The peer review process is the standard mechanism for ensuring the validity of the science. Interestingly, the Royal Society started the first peer reviewed scientific journal in 1665, 'Philosophical Transactions' - this journal is still produced today, although there are now many others besides!

Once the findings of the additives study have been peer reviewed, we will release the final report more generally by lodging it in our library and placing a summary on our website.

Under European Union legislation, the additives in this study are approved for use and currently permitted for use within the UK. Legislation demands these ingredients are clearly labelled so consumers can make an informed choice about including additives in what they eat.

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hyperactivity and food colours

Posted by Steve Travers Ontario Canada (not verified) on 31/05/2008 - 21:02

By all means F.S.A verify my comments:

Be assured there is a definite link between children's behaviour and food additives. When they were cut out of our child's diet he was calm and well behaved.
These dyes MUST be banned!

at last

Posted by Anonymous (not verified) on 10/04/2008 - 17:33

At last some action is being taken. My children are now nearly 30 and nearly 28. When they were growing up it was already well accepted by parents concerned about food that these colours, and especially tartrazine, should be avoided. Why has it taken so long for science to catch up with common sense? Yet I would probably have been branded a crank and 'anti science' at the time. Science is the new religion, and to distrust it is to be branded a heretic. And what about aspartame, which doesn't allow people to know when they have eaten enough. Don't you think it might have something to do with obesity? The people I've known who drink diet drinks are always over weight and don't improve. And why not ban sodium benzoate, which I believe is implicated in asthma?

Corn constituents as a behavior antagonist

Posted by B. Peterson (not verified) on 09/09/2007 - 18:57

I have a young son who has an intolerance to corn and all corn products. If he accidentally consumes even a small amount of corn - he becomes unable to control his impulses, falls apart at the slightest provocation and is generally unmanageable.

I have found that corn shows up in a million places under a variety of descriptions... so finding the actual culprit can be very difficult.

Luckilly my son presents with an excema rash as well - or his situation would probably have gone undiagnosed.

In the US - where we live - corn is used in everything - alcohols for vanilla and other extracts, vinegar, Xantham Gum (thickener), yeast, dough conditioners, colorings, 'natural flavouring'... it's listed in most prepared food ingredients - and is present in some that do not list it.

When my son ingests corn constitiuents - he presents with a combination of symptoms similar to ADD and PMS...

Someone posted here - "imagine bringing your own food to a children's party" ... we bring our own food everywhere. Whole foods allow my son to be the bright, happy, well adjusted young man that he is - in the absense of the offending corn products.

Corn may not be the answer for all. Many people exhibit the same reactions to dairy, colorings, additives... etc.

If you're searching for answers to your own child's specific behaviors - I urge you to try an elimination diet - using ONLY whole foods - and allowing 3-4 days between introductions. (My son's behaviour lasts until the corn is completely eliminated from his digestive tract. This often takes 3-4 days)

I will be very interested in reading the UK additive findings referenced here once the peer-review, etc. are complete.

Food additives alarm

Posted by Anonymous (not verified) on 05/09/2007 - 22:59

It is 2357, 5 September 2007.
What is going on?
BBC 2 Newsnight has just shown newspaper headlines for tomorrow suggesting food additive scares, trailed here in May.
However, no news here, or on the newspapers websites.
What is going on?
Please?
Taxpayer, consumer etc etc

Timetable for publication

Posted by Judith Hilton on 31/07/2007 - 15:49

Alan, apologies for not replying sooner. The new research on food additives and behaviour in children which has been carried out by Southampton University, is currently undergoing a process of rigorous peer-review in order to ensure that the findings are valid and robust.

As part of this process, the research is being assessed by the UK's independent expert Committee, the Committee on Toxicity (COT).

Once COT has completed its review of the research, a statement of their views will be published on the committee's website.

The researchers have also separately submitted their research to the scientific press for publication in a journal and we await the decision of the journal as to whether, and when, the research will be published.

Worried mum

Posted by Andrew Wadge on 27/07/2007 - 09:40

Additives are only permitted for use in food after very careful evaluation.

This includes rigorous assessments for safety undertaken by the independent scientific committees that advise the European Commission and the UK Government.

This process can take several years before safety can be assured. Even when approved, the use of a permitted additive continues to undergo careful scrutiny.

Intake surveys are carried out to ensure that consumers are not exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels advised by the committees referred to above.

As all approved additives have been evaluated as safe there are no scientifically-established grounds for recommending any additive, either natural or artificial, as being safer than any others. For more information and advice, visit our eatwell website

Timetable for publication

Posted by Alan Johnston (not verified) on 23/07/2007 - 14:34

When will the University of Southampton research be published ? Is it likely that the conclusions will advise that all or some of the additives in the study should be banned ? If that is the conclusion, will the FSA then ban these additives ? Is there already peer reviewed research on (E210) tartrazine which has caused it is banned in Norway and Austria ? If there is no such research, why is it that other countries have felt able to ban these substances from foodstuffs ? Why is it that we in the UK have to patiently wait for controlled research when other countries in Europe have been able to take precautionary action pending conclusive research ?

additives

Posted by worriedmum (not verified) on 16/05/2007 - 13:14

Where can i get list of harmful additives, and foods to avoid for children?

Additives and child behaviour

Posted by Andrew Wadge on 14/05/2007 - 12:57

Thanks to everyone who has commented. I understand that many people, particularly some parents, have strong concerns about this issue.

We all want the food we and our children eat to be safe, and ensuring the safety of food in the UK is one of the Agency's primary aims.

The reason that we fund this kind of complex but important scientific research is so that we can ensure that our policies and advice are based on the best available scientific evidence.

All additives approved for use in this country have been through a rigorous testing process prior to being approved for use in food.

The rules controlling the use of additives are reviewed when new scientific evidence comes to light.

As an Agency we will be considering the results of the research very carefully, seeking also the views of independent scientific experts. We will then be able to advise further in the light of any conclusions reached.

Growing out of hyperactivity-Reply

Posted by Anonymous (not verified) on 13/05/2007 - 10:40

To the person that queried eating crap. If you have problems with the additives put in food, you can't actually eat them (and responsible parents wont let you!!). Unlike todays generation, my parents could cook so I could eat properly and not suffer. One slip by a friend, relative etc could cause problems. Imagine going to a childrens party and taking you're own food! I continue to eat properly, if it comes out of a packet I avoid it.

I don't use scare tactics - These are the facts.

Posted by Stuart (not verified) on 11/05/2007 - 15:21

To Sanchez, I take it you are either involved in the food industry and it is in your interest to blast my comment as scare tactics or you don't know your facts. The majority of food manufacturers use tainted Scientists to promote their products as safe.

Aspartame:
Sold under dozens of brand names such as NutraSweet and Equal, aspartame breaks down within 20 minutes at room temperature into several primary toxic and dangerous ingredients:
1. DKP (diketopiperazine) (When ingested, converts to a near duplicate of
a powerful brain tumor causing agent)
2. Formic Acid (ant venom)
3. Formaldehyde (embalming fluid)
4. Methanol (causes blindness...extremely dangerous substance)

MSG
The glutamate (MSG) manufacturers and the processed food industries are always on a quest to disguise the MSG added to food. Below is a partial list of the most common names for disguised MSG. Remember also that the powerful excitotoxins, aspartate and L-cystine, are frequently added to foods and according to FDA rules require NO LABELING AT ALL.

* Food Additives that ALWAYS contain MSG *
Monosodium Glutamate
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Hydrolyzed Protein
Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
Plant Protein Extract
Sodium Caseinate
Calcium Caseinate
Yeast Extract
Textured Protein (Including TVP)
Autolyzed Yeast
Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
Corn Oil

* Food Additives That FREQUENTLY Contain MSG *
Malt Extract
Malt Flavoring
Bouillon
Broth
Stock
Flavoring
Natural Flavors/Flavoring
Natural Beef Or Chicken Flavoring
Seasoning
Spices

* Food Additives That MAY Contain MSG Or Excitotoxins *
Carrageenan
Enzymes
Soy Protein Concentrate
Soy Protein Isolate
Whey Protein Concentrate
Also: Protease Enzymes of various sources can release excitotoxin amino acids from food proteins.

Dr Russel Blaylock, who wrote the book "Excitoxins - The Taste That Kills", recounted a meeting with a senior executive in the food additive industry who told him point blank that these excitotoxins are going to be in our food no matter how many name changes are necessary.

The Growing out of Hyperactivity

Posted by Anonymous (not verified) on 11/05/2007 - 01:59

The Growing out of hyperactiveity... is the fact that you have more money and buy better foods... or do you still eat the crap you did as a child?

Science vs. Scare Tactics

Posted by Sanchez (not verified) on 10/05/2007 - 11:49

I think the food industry should do a better job of informing consumers such as many who read this article. Many statements about what can and can not be labeled are incorrect. First MSG can only be labeled as MSG, it can not be hidden as flavor and is technically a different substance than a yeast extract. Second the conspiracy theories about Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are based on no solid scientific evidence.

I wait to hear the results of this study and many studies that will follow. If several well documented and carefully controlled studies find issues with particular food additives then food manufacturers will be forced to remove them due to consumer demand. If mass consumers do not like brightly colored fruits and vegetables, they can buy the brown ones and the manufacturers with bright colors will be forced to change.

This isn't new...

Posted by Stuart (not verified) on 09/05/2007 - 14:19

The additives in food is such a major problem now that I have little faith in it being tackled adequately enough. We all know the dangers of additives, preservatives and flavourings and the industry producing these chemicals is enormous, so huge in fact that, as I said, I doubt it will ever be sorted.

When people started to wise up on the fact that MSG and aspartame are slow acting poisons, the industry came up with new names for MSG (such as yeast extract) and aspartame can be labelled as an artificial sweetener.

Also, how can independent scientists be trusted when we know of widespread corruption within the field?

For those who are interested in finding out more about these toxins in our food I receommend you put "Excitotoxins" by Russel Baylock on your essential reading list.

The "mainstream" food industry is awash with poisonous food - even down to the plastic containers from ready meals which emit toxins into meals once microwaved.

Did someone just say "population control"?

P.S. Did you know that the company which held the patent for aspartame was GD Searle? Did you also know that the a 1980 FDA inquiry into aspartame confirmed that it "might induce brain tumors"? Do you know who managed to overturn the FDA's decision? Yep, none other than Ex-Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld when he was the Chairman of GD Searle.

You would not believe how deep and far-spread the corruption goes. Start doing your own research, you'll be amazed. Knowledge is power.

Additives

Posted by David Colquhoun (not verified) on 09/05/2007 - 03:46

Yesterday was a field day for bad science reporting. In particular, nowhere did I see it asked whether or not the new study was randomised. The headlines were apparently produced without having seen the data. But who, one wonders, gave the 'news' prematurely? The authors? The university?

As it happens, I prefer peas to not be coloured lurid green, but that is an aesthetic judgement.

food additives and behaviour

Posted by M.Jackson (not verified) on 08/05/2007 - 22:53

Whilst some us have been waiting for the research to be completed...what about the ones who have already grown up and their education and lives have been disrupted by the use of these chemicals in our foods and medications...its used in the very medication thats supposed to help calm them down....its in alcohol also so these young adults are now drinking that to..how long will it take for you to recognise...another seven years?

More pressure for EFSA

Posted by Cuelebre (not verified) on 08/05/2007 - 21:33

I think it is going to add more pressure to EFSA now they are reviewing regulation on colors, additives, enzymes and flavors.

Food Additives

Posted by Anonymous (not verified) on 08/05/2007 - 20:50

After two teachers commented on my son's strange behaviour at the beginning of the autumn term I looked into what he was eating as I know some things can affect his behaviour. After removing all additives to no avail I found that the vitamin tonic he was taking contained Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Sodium methyl p hydroxy benzoate amongst other things (I had to ring the company for this information!). Not only were they not labelled on the box or the bottle but not on the inside wrapper either. I contacted the MHRA and as far as I know they still have not produced new packaging. Sodium Methyl p hydroxy benzoate is a known asthma irritant as well as a suspected hyperactivity/ADD trigger. As it is an active ingredient with contraindications by law it must be labelled. Clearly our children are not important enough for more research and deep questions into why the poorest quality ingredients are put into food for the most vulnerable such as our children. This product should have been withdrawn as soon as the labelling was found to be illegal and the inherent ingredient possibly dangerous. If the law wasn't so pathetically weak, things like MSG would by law be labelled as such and not hidden under terms such as "flavouring" and Barley Malt Extract" what happened to informed choice? I hope to God that this research doesn't give way under the pressure from huge chemical companies whose business it is to product such toxic rubbish. Maybe at last we can have some transparency about what our children are consuming.

My first child barely slept,

Posted by Anonymous (not verified) on 08/05/2007 - 18:00

My first child barely slept, could not settle or sit still and was unable to concentrate. When I removed all food colourings from his diet he became a settled happy little boy who slept throughout the night. This change occurred within days.
If he accidently ate some of the colourings, he invariably became hyperactive again.

I dread to think what would have happened to him if I had been unaware of this issue. He would probably be a criminal not the biology student he is today.

I understand that some of the food additives allowed in the UK are banned in other EU countries.

I blame food additives on much of the anti social behaviour of kids today because I recognise the behaviour from experience.
I think the change to society would be exceptional if they were to be banned.

We cannot continue to poison our children and indeed ourselves.
BAN THEM NOW!! THEY ARE UNNECESSARY AFTER ALL!!

Food Additives

Posted by Anonymous (not verified) on 08/05/2007 - 17:28

This isn't a new fact. I'm in my thirties and have had problems my entire life with the additives put in food. It's about time this was sorted out.

During the years, the additives have caused me to be violently ill and be very uncotrollable.

My parents were told I'd grow out of it, it hasn't happened. I can only hope that this study will allow others not to suffer as I have and still do.