EAST Lancashire's fish and chip lovers have hit out at a crackdown which could ban mushy peas.

Officials at the Food Standards Agency have called for the colouring used in the dish to be banned because of its effect on children's behaviour.

Without tartrazine, or E102, the peas - for years a traditional favourite of East Lancashire's working class - would be a grey colour instead of their characteristic bright green.

The news has been met with dismay by fish and chip lovers in East Lancashire, where mushy peas have long been a favourite.

Lisa Davis, the manager of The Village Chippy in Ramsbottom, said she sold about 50 portions every day.

She said: "It's just getting ridiculous, they will be stopping us eating full stop next.

"Mushy peas are a very popular choice, you can't eat fish without them."

The Food Standards Agency is to ask manufacturers to phase out six different food colourings by 2009, and will also call for EU bosses to take enforcement action.

The restaurant manager Julie Bufton, 22, said: "It would seriously affect my business.

"So many people eat mushy peas, especially with the meal deals that we do.

"The alternative would be baked beans but they just don't sell as much."

Lunchtime diners at the Chippery, in Corporation Street in Blackburn, were dismayed at the announcement.

In September researchers from Southampton University claimed that certain colourings - including E102 - should be banned.

Dame Deirdre Hutton, chair of the agency, said: "These additives give colour to foods but nothing else.

"It would therefore be sensible, in the light of the findings of the Southampton study, to remove them from food and drink products.

"UK industry has already taken great strides to remove these colours from food; this decision builds on the work already done and will encourage industry to continue down this path."