Colourings
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Artificial food colours and children
Why we want to limit and label foods containing the ‘Southampton Six’ on the UK market post-Brexit.
November 2020
This report summarises the evidence that links the use of some azo dye colours in the food supply to behavioural issues in children, updates the evidence base and makes recommendations to limit potential exposure of children in the UK to these additives in post-Brexit trade deals. Artificial food colours are not necessary in the food supply chain, are associated with ultra-processed foods and can encourage children to consume foods that have limited or no nutritional value.
