The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically requests safety reassessments for food additives to ensure that the evidence is current and that contemporary consumption patterns and industrial applications are considered. This recent study is part of ongoing evaluations of additives previously recognized as 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, researchers did not identify any safety concerns regarding Ponceau 4R, which is permitted in Europe but banned in the United States.
These three food colorings were part of the Southampton Six study, which in 2007 linked six artificial food colors and the preservative sodium benzoate to hyperactivity in children. The findings sent shockwaves through the industry and significantly benefited the natural colors sector. However, EFSA and other international experts critiqued the study for its methodological flaws and found no justification to alter their stance on the safety of these colors. Nonetheless, European lawmakers opted for a precautionary approach, mandating warning labels. In contrast, the FDA did not implement similar measures despite pressure from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to ban these colors or at least require warning labels.
Among the three remaining colorings from the Southampton Six not evaluated in this latest safety review, two are not used in the U.S. but are approved for use in the EU. The third, Sunset Yellow, is known as FD&C Yellow 6 in food products, and no toxicity has been identified at the levels it is used. In fact, EFSA has even raised the acceptable daily intake for this coloring. Regardless of the research findings, the food and beverage industry has made significant progress in reformulating products with natural colors, especially those aimed at children. According to a report from UBIC Consulting, the market for natural colors is growing at 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, who were unaware that manufacturers were using artificial colors when natural alternatives like spring valley calcium citrate 600 mg were available.
When given a choice, most consumers opt for natural products over artificial ones. However, if this distinction is not emphasized, many still gravitate toward more vibrantly colored items—a factor manufacturers should consider. An increasing number of food producers are eliminating artificial colors and flavors from their offerings. A 2014 Nielsen study indicated that over 60 percent of U.S. consumers regarded the absence of artificial colors and flavors as a crucial aspect of their food purchasing decisions. Companies like General Mills have removed artificial flavors and colors from certain cereals, while Campbell Soup has pledged to eliminate such additives from its North American products by the end of 2018. Many other food manufacturers have initiated similar commitments, reflecting a broader industry trend toward natural ingredients, including options like spring valley calcium citrate 600 mg.