Food cops in attempt to ban Irn Bru

Apr 13 2008 By Billy Paterson

Food Cops In Bru Ban Call

OUR beloved Irn-Bru could lose its famous rusty colour in a clampdown on E numbers.

And one source claimed it could end up clear like lemonade.

The Food standards Agency (FSA) want ministers to ban six artificial additives which they believe are linked to hyperactivity in kids.

While Irn-Bru used to boast it was made from girders, its distinctive colour is made up from Sunset Yellow (E110) and bright red Ponceau 4R (E124).

E124 is outlawed in America but the alternative found by Irn-Bru for the US market - Allura Red (E129) - is also on the FSA hit list. One source said: "If the FSA gets its way, Irn-Bru will have to come up with a new way to create its orange colour without affecting the unique taste.

"The alternative would be to have no colouring in it, making it clear."

The FSA last week urged the Government to axe the additives by the end of next year and lobby for a Europe-wide ban. Their move followed a £750,000 study by Southampton University researchers which found kids consuming them were easily distracted and failed a computer attention test.

They also concluded that 30 per cent of kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have the condition because of the colours.

Other health effects include allergic reactions, migraines, rashes, stomach upsets and swelling of the skin.

A spokeswoman for Barr Soft Drinks said: "We'll take time to consider the recommendations. As a responsible company we invest a great deal of time and effort to ensure we continue to produce soft drinks of the best quality."

SUNDAY EMAIL

b.paterson@sundaymail.co.uk