London, ( March 12) Certain paediatric medicines contain banned food additives, including colour and sweeteners, that could cause harmful side-effects, researchers said.

Foods and drinks for children under three years in Britain are not allowed to have colours or sweeteners in them - most preservatives are not allowed either. Only in extremely rare cases are these additives permitted.

A study by The Food Magazine found that 40 out of 41 paediatric medicines it investigated contained banned food additives, according to a release on the magazine website.

The research revealed that 31 of the products contained preservatives while 37 had sweeteners in them.

Though many children would be able to consume these medicines safely, there would be those who would suffer allergic reactions to these additives.

Some of the medications actually carry warnings about the potential harmful side effects of these additives, such as diarrhoea, eye irritation and skin irritation.

A spokesperson said medicine manufacturers should clean up their act and remove any unnecessary additives. Colours and artificial sweeteners could be replaced with natural alternatives, he added. (IANS)