Aussie toddlers eat too many preservatives, study finds

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2006

Australian toddlers are consuming more than the acceptable intake of benzoate, a preservative found in a variety of foods, according to recent Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) research.

The FSANZ 21st Australian Total Diet study looked into the eating habits of thousands of Australians. The study found that, within the 2-to-5 age group, the daily intake of benzoates was 40 per cent above the World Health Organisation's acceptable intake for boys and 20 per cent above world levels for girls.

Benzoates (or additive 211) derive from benzoic acid, one of the oldest chemical preservatives used in the cosmetic, drug and food industries. Benzoic acid has antimicrobial properties that make it an effective preservative in acidic foods (as opposed to alkaline or non-acidic foods). It occurs naturally at low levels mainly in berries, other fruits and dairy products. As a preservative ingredient it is commonly used in fruit and vegetable juices, soft drinks, cordials, sauces and toppings, dairy and fat-based desserts and dips, low-joule jams, fruit wine and some ice confection products.

Benzoates can be listed on pack as the following preservatives and additives: acids, acidity regulators, anti-caking agents, anti-foaming agents, some antioxidants, bulking agents, food colouring agents, colour retention agents, emulsifiers, flavours, flavour enhancers, flour treatment agents, humectants, preservatives, propellants, stabilisers, sweeteners and thickeners.

The report also found that sulphite levels for boys aged 2-5 were 80 per cent over the acceptable daily intake. Sulphites, long used as the cleansing and disinfecting sulphur dioxide, have been linked to asthma and skin rashes. They are used in such foods as beef sausages and cordial.

Allergy experts have long linked preservatives to childhood hyperactivity among other conditions. Research linking hyperactivity with artificial colours and flavours goes back to the 1970s, when Californian allergist Dr Ben Feingold found certain additives could trigger hyperactivity.

For more information on food additives and what they do, refer to the FSANZ food additives fact sheet, updated May 2006.