Food safety for children and the elderly

The same dose of an additive that a healthy adult metabolises without issue can have different effects on a young child or an elderly person. This isn't alarmism: it's physiology.

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  Children: low body weight, immature systems

  The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for additives is calculated in mg per kg of body weight. A 15 kg child eating a 30 g snack containing colorings receives a relative dose 4–5 times higher than a 70 kg adult. In addition, the liver and kidneys of young children metabolise certain substances more slowly.

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  The elderly: reduced kidney and liver function

  With age, the capacity to eliminate certain substances decreases. Multiple medications (polypharmacy) can interact with some additives. Excess sodium has a greater impact on those with hypertension or kidney insufficiency.

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  Cumulative effects: habitual diet matters more than a single meal

  An ice cream with colorings once a month is not a problem. If children daily eat products containing E102, E110, E122 at breakfast, as a snack, at lunch and in their afternoon drink — the cumulative effect becomes significant.

Not all E codes are problematic for children. The most relevant categories, with stronger scientific evidence, are these.

For older people the priorities are different from those for children. The main concerns relate to sodium, phosphates and certain preservatives.

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  Sodium: the main risk

  Hypertension and kidney insufficiency are among the most common conditions in older adults, and sodium worsens both. Ready meals, cured meats, aged cheeses and industrial stock are the main sources. Target: less than 5 g of salt per day, and less for those with kidney problems or documented hypertension.

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  Phosphates: they interfere with calcium and bones

  Phosphates (E338–E341, E450–E452) are common in processed meat products, processed cheese, canned meat and ready meals. High consumption of phosphates from additives interferes with calcium absorption — a concern for those at risk of osteoporosis.

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  Interactions with common medications

  Some substances in foods can interact with medications commonly taken by older adults: vitamin K in leafy green vegetables with warfarin, grapefruit with statins, cranberry juice with certain anticoagulants. The goal is not to avoid these foods, but to keep the diet consistent and inform your doctor about your eating habits.

"For children" marketing is often the opposite of what it suggests. Products featuring colourful characters, mascots and claims like "with vitamins" or "energy for growing" are frequently among the most processed items on the shelf.

A practical guide to safe purchases for anyone shopping for children and older adults.

1. 1
   For children: choose products with few recognisable ingredients

   The shorter the ingredients list, the better. Avoid products with more than 2–3 colorings, artificial sweeteners, or the wording "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".

2. 2
   Always check sugars in "for children" products

   Threshold: less than 10 g/100 g for breakfast items and snacks. Above that it's already a treat, not a food suitable for children's daily consumption.

3. 3
   For the elderly: prioritise low sodium content

   Favour products with less than 0.3 g of salt/100 g. Choose tuna in water rather than in salted seed oil, frozen vegetables with no added salt, homemade or low-sodium stocks.

4. 4
   Scan with the app before you buy

   E-Codes Reader instantly shows whether a product contains azo dyes with the European warning, sweeteners unsuitable for children, and the sodium level — without having to read every line of the label.

5. 5
   Always prefer Group 1–2 (NOVA) foods for main meals

   Vegetables, legumes, eggs, fish, plain yoghurt, whole fruit. These are the safest foundation for both vulnerable groups — with no need to check complex labels.