Additives linked to hyperactive behaviour

From E-numbers to preservative, the cocktail of chemicals routinely added to children's food has a direct link on their behaviour, according to Britain's food watchdog.

And Channel 4 News has discovered, some of those additives are banned in Europe and America - but not here.

Behavioural changes

Scientists have found the E numbers make children loud and impulsive, unable to concentrate or sit still, and not just in those who are already identified as hyperactive.

The study for the Food Standards Agency, the biggest of its kind, gave a number of children the equivalent of an average daily intake of additives found in snacks, soft drinks and sweets. Many were unable to concentrate and others with no record of bad behaviour started acting up.

E numbers tested

The Southampton University study into additives used in sweets, drinks, jams, icecreams was funded by the Food Standards Agency and is considered authoritative in this controversial field.

This study though took just seven E numbers - 110, 102 and 104, which is yellow or lime colouring. 122, 124 and 129, red colouring, E211 or sodium benzoate which is a preservative.

They were mixed up in a cocktail and given to the children aged three, eight and nine, some of them receiving what they would have in a normal daily diet.

In a significant number their behaviour deteriorated although the effects were greater on the younger ones.

Next step

The European Union controls the list of E numbers and today, the FSA said it would be sending the findings to the European Food Safety Authority which is conducting a review.

The Food and Drinks Federation, not unexpectedly. thought this was an appropriate response

The legislation does allow countries to make its own decisions when there is immediate danger, which is not the case here, but critics say they have missed an opportunity.

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