The escalating problem of hyperactivity may well be a result of artificial colours in foodstuffs designed for children.

A forthcoming report, backed by the government, will reportedly advise parents to steer clear of additives, which may also be associated with agitation and tantrums.

Commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the report includes an analysis of seven synthetic colourings and preservatives, all of which can be found in numerous popular products. Critics say that all of these additives should be banned, on the basis of reservations about the impact they are having on youngsters.

Hyperactivity is widely thought to be on the rise in the UK and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) alone is thought to affect up to five per cent of all children. Allergies are also on the rise - inexplicably in many cases - and campaigners have been convinced for years that E-numbers are to blame.

Parents have now been urged to keep an eye on the food additives their children consume, banning products that are seen to be excessively loaded with these artificial colourings and preservatives.

In an interview with the Guardian, Vyvyan Howard from the FSA's additives and behaviour working group, observed: "It is biologically plausible that there could be an effect from these additives.

"While you are waiting for the results to come out you can choose not to expose your children to these substances. These compounds have no nutritional value and I personally do not feed these sorts of foods to my 15-month-old daughter."

The UK's Asthma & Allergy Research Centre first offered scientific evidence of a link between food additives and tantrums back in 2002. Its report, sponsored by the government, found that food colourings cause temper tantrums and disruptive behaviour in as many as one in four toddlers.

A date for the release of the new FSA study has not yet been agreed and so the onus is still on parents to protect their children as they see fit.

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