'Banned additives in child drugs'

Additives banned in food and drink aimed at under-threes are present in some children's medicines, a report says.

A "cocktail" of synthetic dyes, preservatives and sweeteners was found in cough syrups, paracetamol tablets and teething gels.

One pain and fever relief product contained eight E numbers, the Food Commission found.

Only one of the medicines surveyed - Superdrug children's dry cough syrup - was free of colourings and preservatives, according to the campaign group.

Most of the additives are banned in food and drink made for children under three but are still allowed in medicines for that age group.

Some of the additives may cause reactions such as asthma or have a mild laxative effect.

The Food Commission surveyed 41 medicines aimed at children under three for its Food Magazine.

Researchers found four synthetic colourings called azo dyes, 10 preservatives and six sweeteners across the products surveyed.

Buttercup infant cough syrup had two E number dyes while Calpol paracetamol, Anbesol teething gel, Sudafed children's syrup and Superdrug children's chesty cough syrup contained one azo dye apiece.

The Food Commission wants the pharmaceutical industry to stop using additives in children's medicines. It is calling on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which regulates the sector, to ensure medicines aimed at babies and young children are additive-free.