Six artificial colourings linked to hyperactivity and health problems are to be banned.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has called for a ban on the use of six artificial colourings in thousands of food and drink products, amid concerns they cause health problems and hyperactivity in children.

The ruling, which follows research by Southampton University, recommends that the chemicals are removed from products by 2009. The FSA is also lobbying for an EU-wide ban.

Dame Deirdre Hutton, Chair of the FSA, said: “These additives give colour to foods but nothing else. It would therefore be sensible, in the light of the findings of the Southampton study, to remove them from food and drink products.

“UK industry has already taken great strides to remove these colours from food; this decision builds on the work already done and will encourage industry to continue down this path.”

The colourings recommended for withdrawal include: Sunset yellow (E110), Quinoline yellow (E104), Carmoisine (E122), Allura red (E129), Tartrazine (E102) and Ponceau 4R (E124). The FSA has also said it plans to extend the advice it offers parents with regard to E-numbers.

The FSA’s decision means the UK’s biggest confectionary manufacturers, such as Haribo and Cadbury’s, will have to reformulate the ingredients of many of its most popular brands. Products to be affected by the ban will include Cadbury’s Creme Eggs, Haribo Jelly Beans and Fry’s Turkish Delight.

The recommendation has been welcomed by healthy eating groups, in particular the Children’s Food Campaign. Campaigns Director, Richard Watts, who is leading the group’s ‘Sustainable’ initiative, said: “It would be unthinkable for no significant action to be taken as a result of the Southampton study. No one now disputes that these artificial additives pose a threat to children’s health and well being.

“Given the European Food Standards Agency has let down consumers, our own Food Standards Agency must now act to remove them from the food chain.”

By Natasha Piscitelli