Australian children consume low levels of food colors: Report

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released a new report which confirms that Australia…

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released a new report which confirms that Australian children are consuming low levels of food colors.

 

The new report is an update of the 2008 survey of added colors in foods available in Australia, which was conducted by FSANZ.

According to the new report, there has been an overall reduction in estimated dietary exposure to colors in the 2-16 year old age group compared to the previous 2008 survey.

For example, according to the new report, the estimated dietary exposure to Sunset Yellow for high consumers aged 13 - 16 years was 2.57 mg/day, compared to 5.19 mg/day in 2008. For each color investigated, the estimated dietary exposure was less than 5% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) in all cases.

In addition, the report also confirmed there was no public health and safety risk from consuming foods with added colors as part of a balanced diet.

FSANZ chief executive officer Steve McCutcheon said that like all food additives, colors must undergo a safety assessment by FSANZ before they can be used in food or drinks sold in Australia or New Zealand.

"FSANZ recognises that some people prefer to avoid certain food colours. For this reason, food colours must be declared on the label," McCutcheon added.

According to FSANZ, the new report assessed new information such as - updated food consumption data from the 2007 Australian Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey; revised Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Quinoline Yellow and Sunset Yellow FCF and; typical use level data from the confectionery industry on the typical usage levels of five lake colors.