The hidden dangers of colourful sweets – What effects can food dyes have?

Food additives are used in the modern food industry to improve the taste, colour, aroma, texture and shelf life of products. This group includes preservatives, flavour enhancers, emulsifiers, stabilisers and colourings. They are widely used in sweets, fizzy drinks, processed foods, crisps and various packaged products. Although not all food additives are considered harmful, their type, quantity and regular consumption should be carefully assessed, particularly when it comes to children’s health.

Synthetic food dyes are chemical colourings used to give products a brighter and more appealing appearance. Examples include tartrazine (E102), quinoline yellow (E104), sunset yellow (E110), azorubine (E122), ponceau 4R (E124) and Allura Red (E129). These colourings are commonly found in brightly coloured sweets, chewing gum, confectionery, drinks and some desserts. A product’s bright colour does not indicate that it has high nutritional value.

Nutrition is particularly important during childhood, when the body is still developing. Since children weigh less than adults, the same amount of an additive can represent a higher intake relative to body weight. For this reason, food safety authorities establish acceptable daily intake limits for additives. These limits are based on scientific research and represent the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without an appreciable health risk.

One of the most widely discussed concerns surrounding food dyes is their potential effect on children’s behaviour and attention. In a 2007 study conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton in the UK and published in The Lancet, experiments were carried out involving children aged three and eight to nine. The study found that a mixture of certain synthetic colourings and the preservative sodium benzoate could increase hyperactivity levels in some children. However, these findings do not apply to all children.

Another concern is the possible link between synthetic dyes and attention and behavioural difficulties. Some studies suggest that certain colourings may be associated with reduced attention and increased activity in children. A 2022 review published in the journal Environmental Health analysed 27 clinical trials examining the potential relationship between synthetic food dyes and children’s behavioural outcomes. However, current findings do not prove that synthetic dyes directly cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Other possible effects of food additives include sensitivity reactions in some individuals. Certain colourings and preservatives may be associated with allergy-like reactions in sensitive people. Symptoms can include rashes, itching and other discomfort. However, such reactions do not occur in all children, and medical assessment is needed to determine whether a particular symptom is caused by a food additive.

On the other hand, it would be incorrect to consider all food additives dangerous. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assess the safety of various food additives based on scientific evidence. Approved additives are used under specific conditions and within established quantity limits. Therefore, both the type of additive and the amount consumed matter.

Another issue in children’s diets is the excessive consumption of highly processed foods. Colourful sweets, crisps, sugary drinks and ready-made snacks often contain high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fats. Frequent consumption of these products can disrupt a balanced diet and reduce the share of fruit, vegetables and other nutritious foods in children’s daily meals. Their overall nutritional value should therefore be considered alongside food safety.

One of the main steps parents can take is to read product labels. Ingredient lists on packaging identify the additives used, including their E numbers. For example, E102 refers to tartrazine, while E110 refers to sunset yellow. When choosing products, parents should also pay attention to their sugar, salt and fat content. The presence of several additives does not, by itself, prove that a product is dangerous.

In conclusion, the effects of synthetic food dyes and other additives on children’s health depend on their type, quantity and individual sensitivity. Although scientific studies suggest that certain synthetic colourings may be associated with behavioural changes in some children, further research is needed. Prioritising natural, nutrient-rich foods, limiting the consumption of packaged products and carefully reading food labels are important elements of healthy eating.

Aysel Matlab