Food Dye Science
Top 10 Key EFSA and JECFA Assessment Reports on Food Dyes 1. EFSA Re-evaluation of the "Southampton Six" Dyes (2009-2015) Dyes: Tartrazine (E102), Quinoline Yellow (E104), Sunset Yellow FCF (E110), Ponceau 4R (E124), Allura Red AC (E129), and the pivotal re-evaluation of Carmoisine (E122) and the preservative sodium benzoate. Why it's Top: This series was a direct response to the controversial 2007 Southampton study linking these dyes (and benzoate) to increased hyperactivity in children. EFSA meticulously reviewed all behavioral studies. While they confirmed the dyes were safe at current exposure levels for most, they found the evidence for behavioral effects inconclusive but could not rule it out. This led to the EU mandatory warning label: " may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children " on any food containing any of these six dyes. 2. JECFA Evaluation of Allura Red AC (2011) Dye: Allura Red AC (FD&C Red No. 40, E129). Why i...
