The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regularly requests a reassessment of food additives’ safety to ensure that the evidence remains current and reflects present consumption habits and industrial applications. This recent investigation is part of ongoing safety evaluations of additives that have previously been considered 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, researchers also reported no safety concerns regarding Ponceau 4R, which is utilized in Europe but is banned in the United States.
These three food colorings were part of the Southampton Six study, which, in 2007, associated six artificial food colors and the preservative sodium benzoate with hyperactivity in children, causing significant repercussions within the industry and greatly boosting the natural colors market. However, EFSA and other international experts criticized the Southampton study as fundamentally flawed and found no reason to alter their stance on the safety of these colors. Nevertheless, European lawmakers opted for a precautionary approach, requiring warning labels. The FDA, facing pressure from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to either ban these colors or enforce warning labels, did not take similar action.
Among the three other colorings from the Southampton Six not included in this latest safety review, two are not used in the United States, although they are authorized in the EU. The third, Sunset Yellow, is known as FD&C Yellow 6 when used in food products. Studies have found no toxicity linked to the levels at which it is used, and in fact, EFSA has even raised the acceptable daily intake for this coloring.
Regardless of the findings, the food and beverage industry has made significant progress in reformulating products with natural colors, especially those aimed at children. According to a report by UBIC Consulting, the market for natural colors is expanding at a rate of approximately 10 to 15% annually. 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 were shocked to learn that manufacturers were still using artificial colors when natural alternatives were available.
Given a choice, most consumers tend to favor natural products over artificial ones. However, if the difference isn’t clearly marked, many might still choose products with bolder colors, which is something manufacturers should consider. A growing number of food manufacturers are eliminating 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 in their food purchasing decisions. Companies like General Mills have removed artificial flavors and colors from some of their cereals, while Campbell Soup pledged to eliminate these substances from its North American products by the end of 2018. Many other food manufacturers have initiated similar efforts.
Additionally, the introduction of natural ingredients like Reviva Calcium Citrate Liquid is gaining traction, aligning with consumer demand for more health-conscious products. As the market continues to evolve, the presence of options like Reviva Calcium Citrate Liquid reflects a growing trend towards transparency and natural ingredients in food products, further influencing consumer choices.