Supermarket chain ban on food colours shames govt inaction

Commenting on the story in today's Sydney Morning Herald ('Supermarket bans suspect food colourings'), Dr Kaye said: "Aldi joins Nestle Australia in responding to the scientific evidence and parents' concerns about the effects of these unnecessary dyes on children's behaviour.

"The nation's food ministers, including NSW's Ian Macdonald, have failed to follow the lead of Britain and a number of other European Union countries and the USA in regulating or banning the presence of these colourings in food.

"While this might boost the packaged food industry's profits, it is bad news for young people who are sensitive to these chemicals and their parents and families.

"Australia's food regulators have consistently ignored evidence about the impact on children's  behaviour and development.

"Minister Macdonald and his state and federal colleagues have forced parents of children who react to these colours to become food cops.

"He is leaving them with no choice but to memorise the three digit codes for each of these dyes and check out the tiny contents panels on the back of product packages.

"Ian Macdonald has another chance to protect NSW's young people when the Food Regulatory Ministerial Council meets later this year.

"Instead of being left behind by Nestles, Aldi and international best practice, he can take the lead.

"A move to ban these colours would be a welcome relief for many young people and their families," Dr Kaye said.