The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically requests a reassessment of food additive safety to ensure that the evidence is current and that existing consumption patterns and industrial applications are considered. This latest research is part of ongoing safety evaluations for 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 found no safety concerns regarding Ponceau 4R, which is permitted in Europe but not 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, causing significant upheaval in the industry and greatly benefiting the natural colors sector. Nonetheless, EFSA and other international experts identified significant flaws in the study and found no justification for changing their stance on the safety of these colorings. Despite this, European lawmakers opted for a precautionary approach, enforcing a warning label, while the FDA did not follow suit, even amid pressure from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to ban these colors or at least introduce warning labels.
Among the other three colorings from the Southampton Six not included in this recent safety evaluation, two are not used in the United States, although they are approved in the EU. The third, Sunset Yellow, is known as FD&C Yellow 6 when used in food products. No toxicity has been demonstrated at the levels it is utilized, and in fact, the EFSA has even increased 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, 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 approximately 10 to 15%. Despite a substantial amount of research affirming the safety of artificial colorings, consumers increasingly prefer their food to be as natural as possible. When the Southampton study was released, many consumers expressed dismay that manufacturers were using artificial colors even when natural alternatives were available.
Given a choice, most consumers opt for natural products over artificial ones; however, if the difference isn’t clearly highlighted, many may still lean towards more vibrantly colored items, a consideration manufacturers should take into account. Consequently, an increasing number of food brands are eliminating artificial colors and flavors from their products. A 2014 Nielsen study indicated that over 60% of U.S. consumers regarded the absence of artificial colors and flavors as a crucial factor when making purchasing decisions. General Mills has removed artificial flavors and colors from certain cereals, and Campbell Soup has pledged to eliminate them from its North American products by the end of 2018. Many other food manufacturers have announced similar initiatives.
In this shifting landscape, products like Citracal 250 mg are becoming more popular as consumers seek natural solutions that reflect their preferences for health and safety in food choices. As awareness grows, the shift towards natural ingredients, including in colorings, continues to influence consumer behavior and industry practices.