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Added problems

The processed foods that are being marketed for children are often only made possible by the addition of substances that disguise their lack of nutritional value. Mary Whiting investigates Many people are worried about the effect of additives on children's health and behaviour. In fact, many additives cause no known problems at all and some are merely ordinary food components such as vitamin C (E300), calcium lactate (E327) or lecithin (322). Manufacturers say additives are necessary to stop food from going off, make it more attractive and that all additives are safe.

Many people are worried about the effect of additives on children's health and behaviour. In fact, many additives cause no known problems at all and some are merely ordinary food components such as vitamin C (E300), calcium lactate (E327) or lecithin (322). Manufacturers say additives are necessary to stop food from going off, make it more attractive and that all additives are safe.

However, many health workers and food campaigners think that not all additives are safe for everyone, that food should be eaten fresh, before it is old enough to become bad, and that additives can mask poor quality food.

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