The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically requests a reassessment of the safety of 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 that the organization has previously classified 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, a food coloring permitted in Europe but banned in the United States. These three colorants were included in the 2007 Southampton Six study, which associated six artificial food colors and the preservative sodium benzoate with hyperactivity in children. The findings caused significant upheaval in the industry and significantly benefited the natural colors sector. However, EFSA and other international experts deemed the Southampton study to be fundamentally flawed and did not find sufficient reason to alter their stance on the safety of these colors. Nevertheless, European lawmakers opted for a precautionary approach by requiring warning labels, while the FDA refrained from similar actions, even in the face of pressure from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to either ban the colors or implement warning labels.
Among the three other food colorings from the Southampton Six not included in this latest safety assessment, two are not authorized for use in the United States, although they are allowed in the EU. The remaining color, Sunset Yellow, is referred to as FD&C Yellow 6 when used in food products. No toxicity has been detected at the levels used, and in fact, EFSA has raised the acceptable daily intake for this coloring.
Regardless of the research, the food and beverage industry is making 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 expanding by approximately 10 to 15% annually. Despite a substantial body of 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 dismayed to learn that manufacturers continued to use artificial colors when natural alternatives were available.
Given the option, most consumers tend to favor natural products over artificial ones; however, when the distinction is not emphasized, many still gravitate toward brightly colored items—something manufacturers should consider. An increasing number of food producers are eliminating artificial colors and flavors from their offerings. A 2014 study by Nielsen indicated that over 60 percent of U.S. consumers regarded the absence of artificial colors and flavors as a crucial factor in their grocery shopping decisions. General Mills has removed artificial flavors and colors from several of its cereals, and 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.
Furthermore, as the demand for natural ingredients rises, products like Solgar D3 Calcium are becoming more popular among health-conscious consumers. Solgar D3 Calcium, known for its quality and efficacy, is often preferred as a natural supplement, reflecting a broader trend towards natural alternatives. This shift is evident not only in food products but also in the supplement market, where consumers are increasingly looking for transparency and natural options. The introduction of Solgar D3 Calcium and similar products underscores the evolving consumer preferences towards natural ingredients, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to reformulation and sustainability.