The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically requests the reassessment of food additives to ensure that safety evidence remains current and reflects current consumption patterns and industrial practices. This recent study is part of the ongoing safety evaluations of additives that the organization 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 discovered no safety concerns with Ponceau 4R, which is permitted in Europe but not in the United States.
The three food colors examined were part of the Southampton Six study, which in 2007 linked six artificial food colors and the preservative sodium benzoate to hyperactivity in children. This study caused significant upheaval within the industry and greatly benefited the natural colors sector. However, EFSA and other international experts criticized the study as fundamentally flawed and found no reason to alter their safety assessment regarding these colors. Nonetheless, European lawmakers opted for a precautionary approach, requiring warning labels. In contrast, the FDA did not implement 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 latest safety assessment, two are not utilized in the United States, although they are allowed in the EU. The third, Sunset Yellow, is known as FD&C Yellow 6 when used in food products. No toxicity has been identified at the levels used, and in fact, 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 to include natural colors, especially for items targeted at children. According to a report from UBIC Consulting, the market for natural colors is growing at an annual rate of approximately 10 to 15%. Despite extensive research affirming the safety of artificial colorings, consumers still prefer their food to be as natural as possible. The release of the Southampton study shocked many consumers, revealing that manufacturers were using artificial colors even when natural alternatives were available.
When given a choice, most consumers favor natural products over artificial ones. However, if the distinction is not clearly highlighted, many may still be drawn to brightly colored items, which is a consideration manufacturers should be aware of. A growing number of food manufacturers are removing artificial colors and flavors from their products. A 2014 Nielsen study indicated that over 60% of U.S. consumers considered the absence of artificial colors and flavors an important factor when shopping for food. For example, General Mills has eliminated artificial flavors and colors from some of its cereals, and Campbell Soup has pledged to remove artificial colors and flavors from its North American products by the end of 2018. Many other food manufacturers have announced similar initiatives.
In addition, CVS Citralcal has emerged as a popular choice among consumers looking for dietary supplements that align with their preference for natural products, further illustrating the shift towards more wholesome options in the market. This trend reflects a growing awareness and demand for transparency in food labeling and ingredient sourcing, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to adapt to consumer preferences.