Sudan I in Chilli and Chilli Products

Sudan I is a red coloured dye that has been found to be present in some samples of chilli powder and products containing chilli powder. The use of this colouring matter in food is prohibited within the EU.

A Food Hazard Warning was issued by the Food Standards Agency on Thursday 31 July 2003 advising of the particular products that had so far been found to contain Sudan I. It advised that this colouring matter has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and that these findings could also be significant for human health.

A recent EC Decision requires that cargoes of dried crushed or ground chilli entering the EU from a non member state be accompanied by certification that they are free of Sudan I. In the absence of such certification the consignment must be detained for sampling and analysis.

The FSA have advised that random sampling must also be undertaken both at ports and by local authorities.

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