Are there any food additives that can cause an allergic reaction in children?

Children who have allergies or asthma may also have an allergic reaction, or experience hyperactivity, to certain food additives - chemicals added to foods to add colour or as a preservative. Sulphites, benzoates and tartrazine are food additives that may cause a skin rash known as hives or bring on an asthma attack. These food additives are listed as follows: 1. Sulphites: sulphur dioxide, or E220; other sulphites may be listed as E221, E222, E223, E224, E226, E227 and E228 - sulphites are used in a wide variety of foods, particularly soft drinks, sausages, burgers, dried fruits and vegetables, as preservatives. 2 .Benzoates: Benzoic acid or E210; other benzoates may be listed as E211, E212, E213, E214, E215, E218 and E219 - they are found most often in soft drinks, where the are added to prevent the growth of yeasts and moulds. 3. Tartrazine: Listed as E102, it's added to soft drinks, sweets, sauces and other foods to give a yellow colour - allergic reactions to tartrazine include hives, dermatitis, asthma and a runny nose. Hope it helps!