The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically reviews the safety of food additives to ensure that the evidence remains current and that existing consumption habits and industrial applications are considered. This latest research is part of ongoing assessments 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 found no safety concerns regarding Ponceau 4R, a coloring agent permitted in Europe but not in the U.S.
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, causing significant alarm in the industry and boosting the market for natural colors. Nevertheless, both EFSA and other international experts deemed the study fundamentally flawed and saw no need to change their stance on the safety of these colors. European lawmakers opted for a precautionary approach, requiring warning labels, while the FDA did not take similar measures despite calls from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to ban these colors or at least mandate warning labels.
Among the three other colorings from the Southampton Six not included in this recent safety assessment, two are not used in the U.S. but are allowed in the EU. The third, known as Sunset Yellow in the U.S. as FD&C Yellow 6, has shown no toxicity at the levels utilized. 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. The market for natural colors has been expanding at a rate of approximately 10 to 15% annually, as reported by UBIC Consulting. Despite extensive research validating the safety of artificial colorings, consumers continue to prefer foods that are as natural as possible. The release of the Southampton study shocked many consumers, revealing that manufacturers were still utilizing artificial colors when natural alternatives were available.
When given a choice, most consumers prefer natural products over artificial ones. However, if the distinction is not clearly marked, many may still choose items with vibrant colors, which is something manufacturers should consider. An increasing number of food manufacturers are eliminating artificial colors and flavors from their offerings. A 2014 Nielsen study indicated that over 60% of U.S. consumers consider the absence of artificial colors and flavors an important factor in their grocery purchases. 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, with many other manufacturers following suit.
Incorporating natural products like calcium citrate chewy bites into formulations can appeal to consumers who seek healthier options. As the trend towards natural ingredients continues, the demand for products containing items such as calcium citrate chewy bites is likely to grow, further driving the reformulation efforts within the industry.