It's all about the numbers. Learn what those numbers mean on packets and tins of food, and you will either be horrified and never let that particular food into your home again, or you will be relieved to know that it is something quite harmless.

The additives in food

can be quite eye opening. They consist of colourings, preservatives, emusifiers, anti-caking agents, bleaches and solvents, to name just a few. It is in your best interest and the interests of your children to know exactly what they are consuming.

For example, Number 104, known as quinoline yellow, is used to give food a yellow or greenish colour. It is a chemical mix of various sulphonates that is one of the artificial colouring ingredients linked to hyperactivity in children. Quinoline yellow is banned in the USA and in Norway, but though previously banned in Australia, it is now permitted to be used in foods again. If you have probems with hyperactivity and ADD or ADHD, you are strongly advised to read up on the numbers that indicate the presence of chemical food colouring so you can remove them from your child's diet.

The number 150a seems harmless enough; it is plain caramel, plain burnt sugar added as a sweet flavouring. But 150b, 150c and 150d should raise all kinds of alarm bells. The number 150b means that castic sulphite has been added - when you see 150b it means that ammonia has been added and 150d means the addition of sulphite ammonia to that simple burnt sugar. These additive caramels can be found in a huge range of products from cookies to colas. They are linked with gastro and hypersensitivity problems. The safest thing is to just make your own caramel from sugar and water.

If your child is asthamatic you need to know about sulphur dioxide and sulphites in foods. The numbers are in the range 220-228. They are preservatives and they create big problems for asthmatics. Sulphur dioxide can even be fatal. Write these numbers down, keep them in your wallet and leave on the shelf any product that displays them.

There is a lot to learn about these numbers and what they can mean to the health and well being of our children. One way to learn more is to search the Internet.  A very helpful website is www.fedupwithfoodadditves.info where you can find out the hidden meanings behind the numbers. You can also buy a copy of Additive Alert by Julie Eady, which comes with a handy check card to take with you to the supermarket. The book is available from Big W stores.

The more you know about what is going into their food, the better you can protect your children against the unwanted side effects of common food additives. As you learn, spread the word, and let other mothers know about these dangers. Lobby your school,canteen to watch out for them, and lobby politicians to ban them.

But perhaps the best way combat the additives is to refuse to buy them. Simply ensure that your children get fresh wholesome food cooked at home. Make homemade lemonade instead of buying toxic colas and cordials, and for treats, try popping some corn or make toffee apples. When it comes to your kids, nothing but the best will do, and home made is best, every time.