Call to ban children's food additives
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An open letter calling for several food additives to be banned is being sent to Australia's food regulator today.
The letter, signed by more than 100 health, education and dietary experts, has been organised by a national coalition called the Kids First campaign.
The campaign organisers, including the Food Intolerance Network, Additive Alert and the Additive Network, are calling on Food Standards Australia New Zealand to follow Britian's lead and phase out six artificial colours used in foods consumed by children.
British authorities have agreed to a ban because of links to hyperactivity in children, and the additives are being voluntarily phased out by food companies.
Sue Dengate from the Kids First Campaign says the letter, signed by more than 100 food, education and health experts, says Australia should follow suit.
"I think Australia is way behind the times, I think Australian kids deserve the same protection as the children in Europe are getting," she said.
Lydia Bookman from Food Standards Australian New Zealand says while the UK example is useful, it does not necessarily apply to Australia.
Ms Bookman says the science behind the British decision is not strong, but does warrant further investigation.
She says the composition of Australian food is different.
"A study we've done this year has found the levels of these colours in Australian food is much less than is used in the UK study," she said.
