The Food Standards Agency (FSA) today warned that some food products sold in the UK have been found to contain chilli powder illegally contaminated with the dye Sudan I, a chemical that could cause cancer. There should not be any Sudan I dye in food, and the FSA have identified several chutneys, relishes and seasonings to avoid whilst their investigations are ongoing.
The Agency were notified by the European Commission (EC) that some products found in France contaminated with Sudan I had been produced in Britain, with Chilli powder imported from India.
A new EC decision, which came into force on 30 July, means all cargos of dried, crushed or ground chillis coming into any EU member state must now be accompanied by a certificate showing they have been tested and found to be free of Sudan I.
Commercial and Trading Standards Manager at Merton, Ian Murrell said:
“There is no immediate threat of Illness, those most at risk would be people eating the products over a long period of time. Anyone who has any of these products should throw them away, and local shops should not sell them. Not all chilli powder, nor products with chilli powder in them, are affected – nor are fresh chillis.
“The FSA is asking companies to withdraw and recall contaminated products as soon as they are identified.””
The following products have so far tested positive for Sudan I, or have been withdrawn from sale on a precautionary basis:
B.E. International Foods products with best before end date up until 18.07.03
· Rajah Tandoori Masala, sold in 100g, 400g & 1kg packets and tins
· Rajah Tandoori Masala, sold in 8kg tubs
· Rajah Jerk seasoning, sold in 100g packets
· Rajah Chilli & Lemon seasoning, sold in 100g packets
· Rajah Oriental Noodle Seasoning, sold in 100g, 400g & 1kg packets
Shaws (Huddersfield) Ltd products with best before end date up until 01.02.06
· Red pepper & aubergine relish, sold in 280g jars
· Hot mango chutney, sold in 300g jars
· Flaming hit chutney, sold in 300g jars
· Spicy apricot chutney, sold in 300g jars
· Mild Chilli relish, sold in 300g jars
· Tomato relish, sold in 300g jars
· Onion chutney, sold in 300g jars
· Curried fruit chutney, sold in 300g jars
· BBQ relish, sold in 300g jars
Shaws (Huddersfield) Ltd products with best before end date up until July 2004
· Tomato relish, catering size, sold in 2.4kg jars
· Mild chilli relish, catering size, sold in 2.4kg jars
· Tomato chilli relish, catering size, sold in 2.4kg jars
· Chilli relish, catering size, sold in 2