EU watchdog plays down risks of food additives

THE European Union’s food safety watchdog has said a scientific report found only limited evidence linking the use of certain food additives to hyperactivity in children.

Last year, a group of Southampton University researchers stirred public opinion with a study that suggested the use of certain food additives may cause child hyperactivity, based on tests of 300 children.

Researchers made a link between hyperactive behaviour and the substances used to colour sweets, drinks and medicines.