The use of food additives in Sweden

Recently it was demonstrated that the levels of some added colours in food sold in Sweden were such that the recommended daily intake (ADI) could easily be exceeded by the consumer (Ahlborg et al. Vår Föda, 26, 1974, 194-217). New regulations concerning the use of food colours in Sweden came into force on July 1st, 1975. The collection of information on the use of food additives in products sold on the Swedish market has not been extended to cover other food additives such as preservatives and antioxidants. This study is based upon details of about 10,000 food products containing food additives. The material is being computerised and work on the evaluation is in progress. The new investigation demonstrates that the use of food colours has decreased and that very few products now contain high levels of food colours. Data will be presented concerning the levels and total amounts of preservatives, antioxidants and other food additives used in different groups of food products.