Controls on chemicals in food

Food colours are additives used by manufacturers to change or enhance the natural colours of food. They are mainly used for effect, for example in cake decoration, or to:

• mask natural colour variations
• replace colour lost in storage or processing
• make the food appear more appetising

Food colours can be used in both commercial and domestic food preparation. They can be either natural or synthetic (artificial).

There are rules defining which food colour additives may be used in the UK. They list the current approved additives and their E numbers, set down conditions for their use and specify which colours may not be sold directly to the public.

Under current operating arrangements for Northern Ireland, food additives placed on the NI market will continue to follow EU rules. From Autumn 2023, the Windsor Framework will allow GB public health standards to apply for pre-packed retail goods moved via a new NI retail movement scheme and placed on the NI market. Therefore, goods moving via this route containing GB approved additives will be able to be placed on the NI market.

Food colours and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Research has suggested a link between consuming certain food colours and hyperactivity in children. These food colours are:

• sunset yellow FCF (E110)
• quinoline yellow (E104)
• carmoisine (E122)
• allura red (E129)
• tartrazine (E102)
• ponceau 4R (E124)

While these additives remain permitted under law, UK food manufacturers should work towards finding alternatives to them. You should check whether your suppliers still use these colours, including those supplying you from abroad.

A mandatory warning must be put on any food and drink (except drinks with more than 1.2 per cent alcohol) that has any of the six colours listed above. The label must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.'

Many consumers now prefer to buy products with fewer artificial additives - especially in children's foods. You may want to consider reducing your general use of colours.