6th September 2007 - Proof that food additives can harm children: Local Euro-MP demands action

Yorkshire MEP Linda McAvan has today called for an urgent action on food additives shown to cause hyperactivity and disruptive behaviour amongst children.

A study published in the respected medical journal, The Lancet, this week is the first time that conclusive scientific evidence has been produced to demonstrate a link and has prompted the Food Standards Agency to advise parents to steer clear of some artificial food colours when mixed in food with the common preservative sodium benzoate.

The European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) is currently reviewing food additives, and earlier this year MEPs voted for new rules to toughen up labelling and make it more obvious which additives may cause problems.

Now Ms McAvan has written to the EFSA to urge them to act quickly on this new evidence.

Linda McAvan, who serves on the Public Health Committee in the European Parliament, said:

“Parents have long suspected that 'E' numbers could be associated with some children getting 'hyper'. Regular use may affect children's concentration and learning. Now we have clear evidence that certain E numbers can be connected to disruptive behaviour amongst some children. The authorities need to act now to make sure that packaging reflects this, and where necessary to take some additives off the approved list."