[Greens-Media] Urgent action needed on dangerous dyes in school canteens

[John Kaye]

Urgent action needed on dangerous dyes in school canteens

Media Release: 23 November 2008

Slushies, flavoured milk and chocolate muffins are approved for sale in school canteens, despite containing food colourings that are proven to contribute to hyperactivity disorders, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Commenting on a story on page 43 of today's Sun Herald ('Schools see red on dangerous food colourings'), Dr Kaye said: "Canteen organisations have been let down by the nation's food regulator and the state and federal ministers who control it.

"For too long canteens have relied on advice and codes coming from Food Standards Australian and New Zealand (FSANZ), who have refused to take action on these dangerous food colourings.

"In Europe and the USA, the six bright artificial dyes are banned, being phased out or at least provide warning labels, not just in schools but across the community.

"In Australia the nation's food ministers continue to hide behind FSANZ to excuse their negligent inaction and ignore the scientific evidence.

"NSW Minister Ian Macdonald is busy ignoring the issue while children are arcing up in schools where these products are available at the canteen.

"Slushies are being sold to students without any warning labels. 

"The containers do not include a list of ingredients so even those children who are aware of their problem cannot tell that one or more of these dyes is present in their supposedly healthy treat.

"The NSW Healthy Kids School Canteen Association and the national body are now examining the problem.

"They are in the spotlight as their members are increasingly worried that the food they serve to students is contributing to behaviour problems.

"It is time for Minister Macdonald to take a leadership role in banning these food dyes in Australia," Dr Kaye said. 

The suspect colourings are tartrazine (102), quinoline yellow (104), sunset yellow FCF (110), carmoisine  (122), ponceau 4R (124), and allura red AC (129). 

One or more is present in Whitty's slushies, Slush Puppies, Balfour's Better Bite Chocolate Muffin and one brand of flavoured milk.

For more information:	John Kaye 0407 195 455