The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically requests a reassessment of the safety of food additives to ensure that the evidence remains current and considers existing consumption patterns and industrial uses. This recent investigation is part of ongoing safety evaluations of additives that EFSA has previously classified as safe, in alignment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
In addition to Tartrazine and Allura Red 4C, researchers did not find any 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, creating significant disruption in the industry and providing a substantial boost to the natural colors market. Nevertheless, EFSA and other international experts assessed the study to be fundamentally flawed and found no justification to change their stance on the safety of these colors. Despite this, European lawmakers opted for a precautionary approach, requiring warning labels, while the FDA did not pursue similar measures despite pressure from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to either ban the colors or require warning labels.
Of the three other Southampton Six colorings not included in this latest safety evaluation, two are not utilized in the United States, despite being allowed for use in the EU. The third, Sunset Yellow, is known as FD&C Yellow 6 in food products, with no toxicity detected at the levels used. In fact, EFSA has even raised the acceptable daily intake for this coloring.
Regardless of the studies, the food and beverage industry has made considerable progress in reformulating products with natural colors, especially those aimed at children. As per a report from UBIC Consulting, the market for natural colors has been expanding at a rate of approximately 10 to 15% annually. Even with a wealth of research supporting the safety of artificial colorings, consumers continue to 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 were using artificial colors when natural alternatives were available.
When given a choice, most consumers lean towards natural products over artificial ones. However, if the differences are not highlighted, many may still gravitate towards brightly colored items, which is a consideration manufacturers should keep in mind. Increasingly, food manufacturers are eliminating artificial colors and flavors from their products. A 2014 Nielsen study indicated that over 60% of U.S. consumers regard the absence of artificial colors and flavors as a crucial factor when making food purchases. Companies like General Mills have removed artificial flavors and colors from some of their cereals, and Campbell Soup pledged to eliminate these additives from their North American products by the end of 2018. More food manufacturers are announcing similar initiatives, which may include options such as calcium citrate petite pills as part of their reformulation strategies to appeal to health-conscious consumers.