Nestlé has announced that Smarties, the popular brightly coloured sugar coated candy with a milk chocolate centre, will be free from artificial colours as of next month.

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The move is a reaction to increased consumer demand for products that are perceived to be healthier. Food campaigners have linked artificial colourings to various behaviours in children, including hyperactivity. A Nestlé spokesperson told just-food that the removal of artificial colourings from the ingredients list is based on the general perception that they are bad for you, rather than any hard science.


 


“A lot of people don’t want artificial colourings to be a part of their diets, and particularly their children’s diets. Nestlé want to assure consumers that they are getting something that they can put their faith in,” the spokesperson said.

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