Children's intelligence damaged by "E"

Some (not all) sweet manufacturers have agreed to remove "E" numbers from products following university researchers warnings that these additives are doing as much damage to children's health as lead in petrol.

Sadly, the recommendation is voluntary hence not all sweet manufacturers have agreed to replace the "E" numbers with more natural alternatives.

The link between additives ("E" numbers) and behavioural problems has been common knowledge for many years but the debate has heated up since the latest research from Southamprton University was published in September 2007. It was found that sunset yellow E100 and tartrazine E102 were the cause of temper tantrums.

Further research is taking place on Sodium Benzoate which stops mould growing in fizzy drinks such as Diet Coke and warnings have been issed that foods such as mushy peas, tinned strawberries and Battenburg cake may have to be removed from the shelves.

A list of over 900 products containing the attitives is published on the Food Commissioner's website www.actionadditives.com.

Edith Maskell of Bromley Health Management said "it's always a good idea to read the ingredients list on cosmetic products.  Sodium Benzoate is an ingredient in children's toothpaste and what do you children do with toothpaste? that's right - they swallow it !"

Source : http://Independent.co.uk

Monday, 7 April 2008