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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.