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A controversial new report that links food additives to hyperactivity in children is being examined by the transtasman food regulator.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand is looking into claims published in the British medical journal Lancet that suggests artificial colours and flavours are affecting children's behaviour.
The findings come from researchers at Southampton University, England, who tested almost 300 children with different products and found additives had a "significantly adverse" effect on those who consumed the most. British experts say they now have clear evidence that mixtures of certain food colours and the commonly used preservative sodium benzoate are detrimental to children.
Food Standards spokeswoman Lydia Buchtmann welcomed the report and said the regulator was investigating the findings to consider any changes to the food code.
"At this stage we're examining the report to see if there's any further action [that] needs to be taken. We have been working closely with the UK on this because it is an interesting study."
The last major review of food additives was carried out in 2000.
She said the findings could be a useful tool for parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to help manage their condition.
But she warned people not to self-diagnose intolerances to additives; rather they should seek advice from their doctor on what to avoid.
The study involved 153 3-year-olds and 144 children aged 8 or 9 who were given fruit juice, either with or without additives.
The "additive" group were also given sweets with different levels of artificial colours.
The stronger lolly mix had a "significantly adverse" effect on the 3-year-olds, and both mixes were detrimental to the older children.
"Overall, children who took the mix moved about 10 per cent closer to the definition of being hyperactive," said lead author Jim Stevenson.
Parents would find the results helpful, he said, but he warned them that simply removing these additives from the diet would not prevent all hyperactive disorders.
"We know that many other influences are at work," Dr Stevenson said, "but this at least is one a child can avoid."
- AAP
