MP acts on food labelling

The Food Colourings and Additives Labelling Bill, which has cross-Party support, was tabled on Wednesday and will be introduced as a Ten Minute Rule Bill in the House of Commons on Wednesday, February 5.

Mr Hendry said: 'I am increasingly concerned about the effects of food colourings and additives on young children.

'There is growing evidence of a link between food colourings and additives and the behaviour of children in school and at home and even potential links with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

'My Bill will require certain colourings and additives, as identified by a panel reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, to carry a label that they could have an effect on the behaviour of some children.

'Many parents know all too well that children react differently to different food products, but they should all be warned about the potential consequences of what they are feeding to their children.'

Mr Hendry's concerns about the issue developed after contact with the Hyperactive Children's Support Group in Chichester, which has been involved in studies to establish the degree of a link between food and behaviour.

He adds: 'There is increasing awareness of the link and this Bill will simply help parents have a better understanding of the consequences of certain food additives and colourings.'