Socioeconomic factors and consumption of artificially colored foods among 5- to 14-year-old children in Kuwait

The average daily intakes of artificial food colors consumed by 5- to 14-year-old children in Kuwait were estimated on the basis of the average daily consumption of artificially colored foodstuffs by each age group and analytical determination of the levels of artificial colors in these foodstuffs. The results indicated that of nine permitted colors, four exceeded the acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) as set by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of various socioeconomic factors on the average daily intake of artificial food colors among these children and data obtained showed significant differences for these parameters.