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The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions, intake levels and information needs of elementary school students on artificial food colorants in order to provide better understanding and proper dietary education to these students. From May to June 2010, a survey was conducted from 315 elementary school students at fifth and sixth grade level who were living in Seoul. The questionnaire was distributed by 14 elementary school teachers to their classroom students. The results showed that food safety was regarded as the most important factor in purchasing food items, and artificial food colorants were the most interested among various food additives. Although there was a lack of general knowledge and the students' estimated intake levels of artificial food colorants from processed foods were comparatively low, most (82.7%) believed that artificial food colorants were dangerous for health. The information they wanted to know most was the safety, necessity, and function of artificial food colorants, in order. Above results suggested the necessity of providing accurate information on artificial food colorants to elementary school students possibly by developing educational materials which can improve the perceptions on artificial food colorants and encourage a safe dietary life.

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