Since late last year the discounted supermarket chain has been phasing out food products containing artificial colours from its shelves at all stores including Orange.

The banishing will be completed today making Aldi the first major supermarket to be free of artificial food colours in the country.

Alex Drobiszewski, a dietitian at Orange Health Service, applauded the decision by Aldi.

“It is definitely a good step,” Ms Drobiszewski said.

She said artificial colours can cause health problems for many people in particular children.

“Artificial colours can affect children’s behaviour, give people migraine and other chronic health problems.

“Eliminating them can make a huge difference in a child’s behaviour.

“It’s great for the parents.”

Artificial food colours are liquids or powders added to foods or beverages to enhance the colour and appearance.

Aldi buying managing director Stefan Kopp said the initiative to distance themselves from artificial colours in their food products was to give parents some peace of mind.

“Parents can have complete confidence that no matter what food product they purchase at Aldi, it is free of artificial colours, providing better choice for the health of their children,” Mr Kopp said.

“We have worked closely with our suppliers in both our exclusive brand lines and branded items by reformulating and removing all artificial food colourings and substituting them with natural alternatives where necessary, or nothing at all.”

It has been reported that Coles and Woolworths have ditched artificial colours from their home-brand items.

Mrs Drobiszewski said if customers choose to shop at Coles and Woolworths they should continue to check certain product labels as not all products are free of artificial colours.