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Child medicine additive concern | Child medicine additive concern |
(about 14 hours later) | |
Medicines for babies and young children frequently contain additives banned from foods and drinks aimed at under-threes, research shows. | Medicines for babies and young children frequently contain additives banned from foods and drinks aimed at under-threes, research shows. |
The Food Magazine examined 41 medicines aimed at the under-threes, and found only one was free of the additives. | The Food Magazine examined 41 medicines aimed at the under-threes, and found only one was free of the additives. |
No colours or sweeteners are allowed in foods and drinks for the under-threes and most preservatives are banned. | No colours or sweeteners are allowed in foods and drinks for the under-threes and most preservatives are banned. |
The manufacturers of medicines for the under-threes have insisted their products are safe. | |
It is time for medicine manufacturers to clean up their act and remove any unnecessary additives Ian TokeloveFood Magazine | It is time for medicine manufacturers to clean up their act and remove any unnecessary additives Ian TokeloveFood Magazine |
Only additives strictly necessary from a technological point of view and recognised as being without risk to the health of young children are authorised in such foods. | Only additives strictly necessary from a technological point of view and recognised as being without risk to the health of young children are authorised in such foods. |
The survey found four azo dye colourings, eight benzoate and two sulphite preservatives, and six sweeteners contained in the products examined. | The survey found four azo dye colourings, eight benzoate and two sulphite preservatives, and six sweeteners contained in the products examined. |
Preservatives were present in all but 10, and sweeteners in all but four of the medicines surveyed. | |
Side-effects | |
Some medicines warned the additives they contained could have harmful side-effects. | |
The side effects listed included irritation of the skin and eyes, stomach upset and diarrhoea. | The side effects listed included irritation of the skin and eyes, stomach upset and diarrhoea. |
AZO DYES Azo dyes are synthetic compounds used to produce a wide range of coloursTests suggest they produce only a very mild toxic effect - and are probably safe in the concentrations in which they are found in foodBut research has linked the compounds to adverse reactions in people with aspirin allergy and asthmatics | AZO DYES Azo dyes are synthetic compounds used to produce a wide range of coloursTests suggest they produce only a very mild toxic effect - and are probably safe in the concentrations in which they are found in foodBut research has linked the compounds to adverse reactions in people with aspirin allergy and asthmatics |
The Food Magazine is published by the Food Commission, an independent body campaigning for safer food in the UK. | The Food Magazine is published by the Food Commission, an independent body campaigning for safer food in the UK. |
Spokesman Ian Tokelove said: "Whilst many children will be able to consume these products safely, there will be those who will suffer allergic reactions to these additives. | Spokesman Ian Tokelove said: "Whilst many children will be able to consume these products safely, there will be those who will suffer allergic reactions to these additives. |
"It is time for medicine manufacturers to clean up their act and remove any unnecessary additives." | "It is time for medicine manufacturers to clean up their act and remove any unnecessary additives." |
Mr Tokelove said colourings and artificial sweeteners could be replaced with natural alternatives. | Mr Tokelove said colourings and artificial sweeteners could be replaced with natural alternatives. |
He also questioned the need to use preservatives at all. | He also questioned the need to use preservatives at all. |
Palatability | Palatability |
Helen Darracott, of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, the trade association for manufacturers of over-the-counter medicines, said: "Unlike foods, additives in medicines are in very small quantities and are only taken for a short period of time. | |
"If the MHRA decides a product contains additives that are not strictly necessary, it will request that the medicine is re-formulated before it can be given approval." | |
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said the use of all additives in medicines had to be justified by the manufacturer before a licence was granted. | Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said the use of all additives in medicines had to be justified by the manufacturer before a licence was granted. |
However, most medicines could not be manufactured, stored or administered without some additional ingredients. | However, most medicines could not be manufactured, stored or administered without some additional ingredients. |
"Medicines can be quite unstable such that preservatives and other additives are necessary to maintain product quality for a reasonable shelf-life. | "Medicines can be quite unstable such that preservatives and other additives are necessary to maintain product quality for a reasonable shelf-life. |
"Many medicines also have a very unpleasant taste and require sweeteners and other flavours to help ensure palatability, especially for children. | "Many medicines also have a very unpleasant taste and require sweeteners and other flavours to help ensure palatability, especially for children. |
"Some patients have to take multiple medicines and find that easy identification by colour and other means helps ensure they take the right medicine at the right time." | "Some patients have to take multiple medicines and find that easy identification by colour and other means helps ensure they take the right medicine at the right time." |
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