[Greens-Media] Inaction on food dyes putting kids' behaviour at risk

[John Kaye]

Inaction on food dyes putting kids' behaviour at risk
 
Media release: 17 September 2008
 
NSW school canteens are selling slushies containing bright artificial colourings that are being phased out in Europe because they contribute to hyper-activity disorders in children, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Commenting on a story on page 3 of today's Sydney Morning Herald ('Canteens to look at effects of slushies'), Dr Kaye said: "Whitty's slushies containing artificial dyes are sold to the students with no labelling and no warnings. 
 
"The NSW School Canteen Association and state and federal food ministers have failed in their duty to protect young people.
 
"The canteens are not at fault. There is no way they can be expected to hunt for the ingredients list and remember which of the numbers corresponds to a dangerous product.
 
"The problem lies with the regulators who have failed to at least enforce warnings on all products containing these colourings.
 
"These dyes are currently being banned in many other countries. In Australia they turn up in school canteens, hidden in foods that are marketed as 'a healthy treat'.
 
"NSW Food Minister Ian Macdonald has been aware of the international research establishing the connection between these bright artificial food colourings since at least June when the Greens raised the issue with him.
 
"The regulatory system is clearly not coping with the pressure from manufactures and distributors. Dodgy products slipping under the bar are compromising the health and well being of students.
 
"The '99% juice' claim is a cover to get in the door. The artificial colours are added to bring in the kids. 
 
"Without labelling of the finished product, students would not know that they are buying a dangerous cocktail of chemicals," Dr Kaye said.
 
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: john.kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
web: www.johnkaye.org.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000