Food additives 'cause tantrums'
                                                     
  Research carried out by the independent watchdog the Food Commission
  found that so-called 'E-numbers' may adversely affect one in four
  toddlers. 

  The findings are based on reports from parents after their children
  consumed a drink that contained additives commonly found in popular
  crisps, sweets and fizzy drinks. 

  Researchers from the UK's Asthma & Allergy Research Centre analysed
  the effects of five different additives on 277 three-year-olds from
  the Isle of Wight. 

  Common additives - These were the artificial food colourings
  tartrazine (E102), sunset yellow (E110), carmoisine (E122), and 
  ponceau 4R (E124), and the preservative Sodium Benzoate (E211). 

  These additives were given to children in a single drink. The doses
  were similar to levels found in common foods. 

  According to the researchers, many parents reported significant 
  changes in behaviour. 

  The Food Commission said that over 200 children's foods and drinks
  contained at least one of the additives used in the study. 

  "Nearly 40% of children's foods and drinks contain additives," said 
  Annie Seeley, a nutritionist with the Food Commission. 

  "Colourings are used to make products look especially appealing to 
  children. The colourings tested in this new research are used in
  familiar children's foods." 

  Friday, 25 October, 2002, 00:01 GMT 01:01 UK 

  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2356163.stm

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  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2131086.stm

       Parents have named and shamed foods aimed specifically at
       children which they believe do them no good at all. 

  A jury of 800 parents recruited by the independent campaign group,
  the Food Commission decided that the worst example of a "lunchbox"
  food was Dairylea Lunchables. 

  These packs of meat and cheese slice with wheat crackers were 
  described by one parent who took part as: "vile over-processed
  rubbish." 

  Another brand which fell foul of parents was the soft drink Sunny 
  Delight, awarded the prize for "Additive Nightmare".

  Experts described it as "largely thickened, artificially sweetened,
  expensive water." 

  Even after a re-launch parents were concerned that it contained 
  just 15% real fruit juice. 

  Fast food - Fast food chain McDonalds was criticised for encouraging
  children to pester their parents to buy them Happy Meals, blasted 
  for their high fat, salt and sugar content.

  The "prize" for a product containing large quantities of sugar went 
  to Kellogg's Real Fruit Winders, a wound-up length of fruit flavoured
  jelly.

  The Parents Jury said the product claims to contain more than 50% real
  fruit but "neglects to mention that each fruit winder is 47% pure sugar". 

  A number of examples of healthy food are highlighted in the awards,
  including Sun-Maid Raisins and Captain Organic dried fruit, which are
  said to be ideal for children's lunchboxes. 

  Fruit, especially bananas, kiwi fruit, grapes and apples are said to
  be best for teeth, while nurseries and primary schools were 
  congratulated for promoting the five-a-day message. 

  Sainsbury's Blue Parrot Cafe range and Organix Brands were praised
  for taking steps to reduce additives in children's food. 

  Annie Seeley, Parents Jury co-ordinator, said: "Children's foods
  are often low in essential nutrients but high in fat, salt and sugar,
  and, rely in artificial colouring and flavourings for their appeal to
  children. 

  "They are sold using manipulative marketing techniques which
  encourage children to pester parents into buying such foods." 

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