By SEAN POULTER, Daily Mail

Last updated at 14:07 08 May 2006

For those who are fond of blue Smarties, it is a minor disaster. But for health campaigners it is a major triumph.

Nestlé Rowntree is to stop producing the blue version of the chocolate beans because it is removing all artificial colours from the casings and there is no natural alternative to the blue chemical currently used.

It will be replaced with a white Smartie, at least until a natural blue dye is found.

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Although Nestlé says it is responding to calls from consumers for more natural ingredients, it has faced heavy lobbying from campaigners worried about the effects of the chemicals on children's health.

The colours being axed include Brilliant Blue (E133); Quinoline Yellow (E104); Sunset Yellow (E110); Ponceau 4R (E124); and Carmoisine (E122).

A recent study by experts at Liverpool University identified a possible harmful cocktail effect on the nervous system of artificial colours and chemicals.

Two of the colours examined were Brilliant Blue and Quinoline Yellow, which like many others was originally derived from coal tar.

Concerns about Brilliant Blue also include a link to hyperactivity and skin rashes. It is even listed as cancer risk by US Environment Protection Agency. Similar health concerns surround the other artificial colours which

are being withdrawn. The move by Smarties is part of a major shift by the entire industry.

The Co-op and Marks & Spencer have already removed artificial colours and additives from own-label products.

Dr Lizzie Vann, of the Organix company, said: "I applaud Nestlé for doing this. It is great news for children's health. We would now like to see the Government follow suit and announce a legal ban."

The blue Smartie was introduced in 1989, replacing the light-brown variety. Nestlé said the latest change, which comes into effect next month, is part of a long-term drive to 'improve the nutritional qualities' of its products.

It has already removed artificial colouring from Fruit Gums, Jelly Tots and Fruit Pastilles.