For example, it was not known if the small alterations in
attention and activity noted in the study would interfere with schoolwork or other intellectual
functioning. Further, because mixtures were tested, rather than individual ingredients, the
observed effects could not be attributed to any individual additive. EFSA also noted that the
effects observed were not consistent for the two age groups or for the two mixtures tested in the
study. In 2009, EFSA re-evaluated the safety of the six color additives used in the Southampton
study and concluded that the available scientific evidence does not substantiate a link between
the color additives and behavioral effects.