The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically requests the reassessment of food additives’ safety to ensure that scientific evidence remains current and that contemporary consumption trends and industrial applications are considered. This recent study forms part of ongoing safety evaluations for additives that EFSA has previously deemed safe, in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). In addition to Tartrazine and Allura Red 4C, the researchers found no safety concerns regarding Ponceau 4R, which is utilized in Europe but is banned in the United States.
These three food colorings were part of the Southampton Six study, which, in 2007, associated six artificial food colors and the preservative sodium benzoate with hyperactivity in children. The study caused significant disruption in the food industry and significantly bolstered the market for natural colors. However, EFSA and other global experts criticized the study for its substantial flaws, leading EFSA to maintain its stance on the safety of these colors. Nevertheless, European lawmakers adopted a precautionary approach, requiring warning labels. In contrast, the FDA did not implement similar measures despite calls from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to ban these colors or, at the very least, to require warning labels.
Among the three other colorings from the Southampton Six not included in this latest safety review, two are not permitted for use in the U.S. but are allowed in the EU. The remaining one, Sunset Yellow, is known as FD&C Yellow 6 in food products. Studies have shown no toxicity at the levels used, and EFSA has even raised the acceptable daily intake for this coloring.
Regardless of the findings, the food and beverage industry has made significant progress in reformulating products using natural colors, especially those aimed at children. According to a report by UBIC Consulting, this market has been expanding at a rate of approximately 10 to 15% annually. Despite extensive research affirming the safety of artificial colorings, consumers increasingly prefer their food to be as natural as possible. The release of the Southampton study shocked many consumers, revealing that manufacturers often used artificial colors even when natural alternatives were available.
When given the option, most consumers favor natural products over artificial ones. However, if the distinction is not clearly communicated, many still tend to choose brightly colored items—an important consideration for manufacturers. A growing number of food producers are eliminating artificial colors and flavors from their offerings. A 2014 Nielsen study indicated that over 60% of U.S. consumers viewed the absence of artificial colors and flavors as a crucial factor in their food purchasing decisions. For example, General Mills has removed artificial flavors and colors from some of its cereals, and Campbell Soup pledged to eliminate these additives from its North American products by the end of 2018. Many other food manufacturers have announced similar initiatives, reflecting a broader trend toward more natural ingredients, including citracal products, as consumer preferences shift.