PREVALENCE OF FOOD COLORANTS IN REFRESHING NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND BEVERAGES INTENDED FOR CHILDREN

<p>Food colorants are additives commonly used in foods and beverages to compensate for color loss during processing and exposure to light, air, moisture, and temperature variations. This study evaluates the prevalence of colorants in popular beverages on the local market, including those specifically marketed to children. The study analyzed labelling information from 162 samples of refreshing non-alcoholic beverages produced by 24 manufacturers. A total of 62% of the samples contained at least one type of food colorant. The highest prevalence was observed in energy drinks and syrups for refreshing non-alcoholic beverages (90% and 85% of samples, respectively), followed by fruit juice-based beverages (71%). The most commonly used colorants were E150d and E160a. Considering the concerns regarding the potential health effects of certain colorants and their high prevalence in beverages, measures should be taken to promote proper nutrition and healthy child development by reducing the intake of synthetic colorants.</p>