The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regularly conducts reassessments of food additive safety to ensure that the evidence is current and reflects contemporary consumption patterns and industrial applications. This latest research is part of the ongoing safety 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, the 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 colors and sodium benzoate, a preservative, to hyperactivity in children. This study caused significant upheaval within the industry and spurred the natural colors sector’s growth. However, EFSA and other international experts found substantial flaws in the study. EFSA concluded that there was no need to change its stance on the safety of these colors. Nonetheless, European regulators opted for a precautionary approach by requiring warning labels. In contrast, the FDA did not take similar measures, despite calls from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to either ban these colors or at least impose warning labels.
Among the three other colorings from the Southampton Six not evaluated in this safety review, two are not utilized in the United States, although they are approved for use in the EU. The third, Sunset Yellow, is known as FD&C Yellow 6 in food products. No toxicity has been detected for the levels at which it is used, and EFSA has even raised the acceptable daily intake for this coloring.
Regardless of the studies, the food and beverage industry has made significant progress in reformulating products with natural colors, particularly those aimed at children. According to a report from UBIC Consulting, the market for natural colors has been expanding at an annual rate of about 10 to 15%. Despite extensive research reaffirming 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 were using artificial colors when natural alternatives were available.
Most consumers will opt for natural products over artificial ones, although if the difference is not prominently displayed, many may still be attracted to more vibrantly colored items—something manufacturers should consider. More food producers are eliminating artificial colors and flavors from their offerings. A 2014 Nielsen study found that over 60% of U.S. consumers regarded the absence of artificial colors and flavors as a crucial factor when shopping for food. General Mills has removed artificial flavors and colors from several of its cereals, while Campbell Soup has committed to eliminating these additives from its North American products by the end of 2018. Numerous other food manufacturers have announced similar initiatives.
As the industry evolves, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the ingredients they consume, leading to a greater demand for transparency in food labeling. This trend also extends to the pricing of ingredients like calcium citrate, which is becoming more popular due to its health benefits. The calcium citrate price remains a consideration for manufacturers looking to meet consumer demand for more natural and health-conscious products. As awareness grows, the emphasis on natural ingredients and the demand for products free from artificial additives will likely continue to shape market trends.