The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically requests reevaluations of food additives to ensure that safety evidence is current and that contemporary consumption habits and industrial applications are considered. This recent investigation is part of ongoing safety assessments for additives that the EFSA has previously classified as safe, aligning with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Besides Tartrazine and Allura Red 4C, the researchers did not identify any safety concerns with Ponceau 4R, which is authorized in Europe but banned in the United States.
The three food colorings were part of the Southampton Six study conducted in 2007, which associated six artificial food dyes and a preservative, sodium benzoate, with hyperactivity in children, causing significant disruption in the industry and significantly benefiting the natural colors sector. Despite this, EFSA and other international experts found the study to have serious flaws and concluded that there was no reason to change their stance on the safety of these colors. Nevertheless, European lawmakers opted for a precautionary approach, requiring a warning label. In contrast, the FDA did not respond similarly, despite pressure from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to either ban the colors or impose warning labels.
Among the three other colorings from the Southampton Six not included in this recent safety evaluation, two are not permitted in the U.S. but are allowed in the EU. The third, Sunset Yellow, is known as FD&C Yellow 6 when utilized in food products. No toxicity has been detected at the levels used, and EFSA has even raised the acceptable daily intake for this coloring.
Regardless of the studies’ findings, the food and beverage industry has made significant progress in reformulating products with natural colors, especially in items 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 validating the safety of artificial colorings, consumers continue to prefer natural options. The release of the Southampton study shocked many consumers, revealing that manufacturers were using artificial colors even when natural alternatives were available.
Most consumers tend to opt for natural products over artificial ones, although if the distinction is not emphasized, many may still be drawn to brightly colored items—something manufacturers should be aware of. There is a growing trend among food manufacturers to eliminate artificial colors and flavors from their offerings. A 2014 study by Nielsen indicated that over 60% of U.S. consumers considered the absence of artificial colors and flavors a significant factor in their food purchasing decisions. General Mills has removed artificial flavors and colors from some of its cereals, while Campbell Soup has pledged to eliminate these additives from its North American products by the end of 2018. Many other food manufacturers have announced similar initiatives.
In this context, the importance of products such as calcium citrate supplements from Chemist Warehouse has become more pronounced, as consumers increasingly seek natural and health-conscious options. The demand for transparency and natural ingredients continues to shape the food industry, with consumers favoring brands that prioritize their health and safety.