European food authorities on Thursday promised to consider the British re­search showing a link between hyperactivity in children and food colourings, in a move that could have widespread implications for the industry.

The European Food Safety Authority has been reassessing published research on food colourings this year as part of an overall review of food additives and has begun issuing fresh advice on specific colours. It will review the UK findings this month and rule on the use of one of the additives, Allura Red, on which the report was based.