Pediatricians advise parents not to give babies vitamin D drops with the addition of propyl gallate (E310).They do this in response to research by RTL Nieuws, which shows that it is unknown whether this substance is safe for children under 1 year of age.In addition, it is prohibited by law to use such additives in supplements for babies and toddlers.Károly Illy, president of the Dutch Association for Pediatrics (NVK): "It has not been proven with 100 percent certainty that the drops in question are safe for children in the first year of life. This means that we have given all Dutch paediatricians to parents to pass on drops. choose that which does not contain propyl gallate."The NVK has also informed the associations of gynaecologists, obstetricians, youth doctors and general practitioners.Vitamin D drops are widely given to babies in the Netherlands. For children up to 4 years old, a so-called national supplementation advice for vitamin D applies. Parents are strongly advised to give 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily to children up to 4 years.Vitamin D is important for the growth and maintenance of strong bones and teeth and plays a role in muscle and immune system function.Young children do not make enough vitamin D themselves, so extra vitamin D is necessary.Despite the fact that there is now a lack of clarity, Illy says that parents should not panic."Parents don't have to worry at all if they already give it to their children. But if they have to choose again now, choose drops that do not contain that propyl gallate."Propyl gallate is an antioxidant used to prevent spoilage.Research by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) shows that it is safe for children over 1 year.But this is not known for children under 1 year.There is not enough research data available for this.The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is also unable to provide RTL Nieuws with an answer to the question of whether propyl gallate is safe for children under 1 year of age.A spokesperson says: "No consumption data is available for children under one year of age. RIVM is therefore unable to make a statement at the moment whether the intake of propyl gallate through the use of food supplements by infants and toddlers is safe."The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport has contacted RIVM in response to questions from RTL Nieuws.A spokesperson says: "We have asked RIVM whether they want to check whether sufficient data is now available to make a statement about this. Based on the outcome, we will determine in the short term what further actions are needed. "RTL Nieuws looked at the packaging of vitamin D drops for babies in a number of stores of major drugstore chains and discovered that the propyl gallate in Vitamin D Aquosum and Vitamin D Aquosum is sugar-free from the Davitamon brand.We found no propyl gallate in the vitamin D drops of other variants of Davitamon and the drops of other brands in those stores.After questions from RTL Nieuws, Davitamon states in a statement that the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the NVWA are aware of the use of additives, so-called additives, in food supplements for babies and toddlers.'In order to make food supplements that meet the quality and safety requirements, excipients/additives are often necessary, for example to prevent product spoilage.'Davitamon also states that he is awaiting a decision from the European Commission: 'The European Commission and the Member States are currently carrying out an evaluation on the appropriate use of additives in food supplements intended for infants and young children.This evaluation applies to all additives used in vitamin D supplements intended for this target group, not just propyl gallate.As a producer, we fully cooperate in this process.'Apart from the fact whether it is unclear whether the additive is safe for children under 1 year of age, the additive is not allowed at all.The European law on additives in food explicitly states that additives such as propyl gallate may not be used in food supplements for babies and toddlers.This is confirmed by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), the RIVM and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.The NVWA is responsible for enforcing this law.She informs RTL Nieuws that she is indeed aware of this violation, but that she cannot enforce it: "Behind the scenes of the European Commission, discussions are taking place whether something should be legally regulated for the use of, among other things, propyl gallate for those supplements for which an official supplementation advice applies. As long as these discussions are ongoing, the NVWA will not enforce the presence of additives in these products."Ralf Hartemink, food safety program director at Wageningen University, does not think it is desirable that the NVWA does not act."If something is not allowed, it shouldn't be on the shelves. If the NVWA knows about this, it should act and remove it from the shops. And if they don't, consumers and paediatricians should address the NVWA about this. Then they can't ignore it anymore."According to Hartemink, it is also a difficult issue for producers."Producers are not allowed to test products on children. So the solution is that manufacturers only use antioxidants that are allowed."Always know what's going on?Download the free RTL Nieuws app and stay informed.