 News
8th May 2006
Blue Smarties go white
Nestlé Rowntree is stopping production of the blue Smarty
and replacing it with a white version.
The change, which takes place next month, is because the
company have decided to remove all artificial colours from the casings
and there is no natural alternative to the blue chemical currently used.
While the move has upset fans of the blue chocolate bean,
health campaigners are pleased.
Dr Lizzie Vann, of the Organix company, said, "I applaud Nestlé for doing
this. It is great news for children's health. We would now like to see
the Government follow suit and announce a legal ban."
Nestlé says it is responding to calls from consumers for more natural
ingredients, but it has faced heavy lobbying from campaigners worried
about the effects of the chemicals on children's health.
The colours being axed include Brilliant Blue (E133); Quinoline Yellow
(E104); Sunset Yellow (E110); Ponceau 4R (E124); and Carmoisine (E122).
Concerns about Brilliant Blue include a link to hyperactivity and skin
rashes and the US Environment Protection Agency list it as a possible
cancer risk.
Similar health concerns surround the other artificial colours which are
being withdrawn.
The blue Smarty was originally introduced in 1989.
Nestlé said the latest change is part of a long-term drive to 'improve
the nutritional qualities' of its products.
It has already removed artificial colouring from Fruit Gums, Jelly Tots
and Fruit Pastilles.
Where to next?
|
