26 June 2012
BSDA rejects calls to ban caramel colouring
The science around 4-MI in foods or drinks does not support the
proposal for a ban of caramel colours containing 4-MI.
The 4-MI levels found in food and drink products pose no health
or safety risks. Outside the State of California, no regulatory
agency around the world considers the exposure of the public to
4-MI as present in caramels as an issue.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) specifically
reaffirmed the safety of caramel colouring as recently as March
2011, following a comprehensive review of the scientific
literature, and stated that the presence of 4-MI in caramel
colouring is not a health concern.
Ends
For further information please contact
Richard Laming
Media Director
British Soft Drinks Association
Tel: 020 7025 3707 / 078 7965 4555
Email: rlaming@britishsoftdrinks.com
Website: http://www.britishsoftdrinks.com/
Notes to editors
1. The British Soft Drinks Association
represents the interests of producers and manufacturers of soft
drinks including carbonated drinks, still and dilutable drinks,
fruit juices and bottled water. BSDA members are responsible for
the vast majority of products on the British soft drinks
market.