The FSA made the announcement after a study by Southampton University investigated six food colourings and found they were linked to hyperactivity in children.

Although the results of the study were published in September, there has been concern about the effects of the colourings on children and the effects on the food and drink industry if the coluorings are banned.

The FSA agreed to advise UK ministers that there should be voluntary action by manufacturers in the UK to remove the colours by 2009.

The colours are:

• Sunset yellow (E110)


• Quinoline yellow (E104)


• Carmoisine (E122)


• Allura red (E129)


• Tartrazine (E102)


• Ponceau 4R (E124)