Parents warned after dangerous E numbers found in imported food

Nov 26 2009 by Matt Lloyd, Birmingham Mail

PARENTS have been warned to look out for additives in imported foods that can cause children to become hyperactive.

The warning comes from trading standards officers in Walsall who discovered many imported sweets and drinks contained E numbers banned in most countries.

The officers found additives such as tartrazine, sunset yellow and llura red that are known to cause hyperactivity in young children.

One packet of marshmallows contained five of six colours banned in other countries.

Coun Garry Perry, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: “Parents clearly need to be on the lookout for products that contain these E numbers. We know this can be difficult, especially in the build up to Christmas. Many UK firms have voluntarily removed the colours from their products but a significant number of manufacturers from overseas are exporting food which parents of hyperactive children should avoid.”

Walsall Trading Standards carried out the survey using cash granted from the Food Standards Agency.

Other suspicious products discovered included basmati rice containing high levels of carcinogenic contaminant aflatoxin and imported tuna steaks with twice the legal levels of lead. Both products were removed from sale.

Coun Perry added: “Half of the food sold in the UK is imported and it is vital we continue to monitor safety and standards. I am please we have been able to highlight the problems of hyperactivity colours and that contaminated rice and fish have been removed from sale.”