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SUDAN 1 WARNING

Shepway Council is reiterating Food Standards Agency warnings about the illegal red dye, Sudan 1, which has contaminated nearly 400 foods.

Sudan 1 is a red dye normally used for colouring solvents, oils, waxes, petrol and shoe and floor polishes. The FSA issued an alert because the dye has been illegally added to chilli powder.

All crushed, dried and ground chilli must be accompanied by a certificate to confirm it has been tested and is free from Sudan 1. Chilli is routinely tested at ports.

But a batch of chilli, imported before the controls were put in place, was used to make Worcester Sauce. Worcester Sauce is used as a flavour and has caused widespread contamination of other foods.

Supermarkets and wholesalers have withdrawn all stocks of contaminated foods from their shelves but a large quantity of stock has already been sold. Caterers, small retailers and domestic users are advised to visit the Food Standards Agency website www.food.gov.uk to check the list of affected foods.

“Sudan 1 can contribute to an increased risk of cancer but the FSA says that at the levels present the risk is likely to be very small. There is no risk of immediate ill health but to avoid eating it is the sensible thing to do.