The list of product ranges and companies whose products do not contain the six food colours associated with hyperactivity in children has been updated today. Although food colouring causing hyperactivity is still only theorised, most food hygiene and safety experts agree it’s best to avoid the colourings altogether. Indeed, the purpose of publishing the ‘safe list’ are to encourage the entirely food industry to avoid the colourings as part of a voluntary ban that started in November 2008.

The colours were identified by Southampton University and are (in alphabetical order):

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

Although avoiding these colours is a popular choice for a large part of the food industry, consumers should continue to check labels if they are particularly concerned. The FSA has said that products with long shelf-lives may be especially likely to contain these substances.

Orexis Fresh Foods Ltd, Essential Cuisine and Cocoa Loco have all been added to the safe list today, as have Tom’s Pies, produced by Dartmoor Kitchen.