An open letter calling for several food additives to be banned is being sent to Australia's food regulator today.

The letter, signed by more than a hundred health, education and dietary experts, has been organised by a national coalition called the Kids First campaign.

The campaign organisers, including the Food Intolerance Network, Additive Alert
and the Additive Network, are calling on Food Standards Australia New Zealand to follow Britain's lead and phase out six artificial colours used in foods consumed by children.

The UK's Food Standards Agency decided earlier this year to phase out the additives
by the end of next year due to safety concerns.

The watchdog says a British study has linked the additives to hyperactivity in children.

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