Ealing Council is urging all residents to check the contents of their kitchen cupboards, fridges and freezers following the Food Standards Agency (FSA) announcement that over 400 food products could contain an illegal dye called Sudan 1.  

 

Sudan 1 is a red dye used in products, like wax and shoe polish, but has been illegal as a food colourant in the EU since January 2004.   Sudan 1 could contribute to an increased risk of cancer.  

 

The Food Standards Agency have listed all the products that are believed to have been contaminated on their website at www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2005/feb/update .   The FSA's food additives branch can also be contacted on 020 7276 8000.

 

The contamination was believed to have been caused after a batch of chilli powder containing Sudan 1 was used to make Cross & Blackwell's Worcester Sauce.   The sauce was then sold onto a range of companies who used it in a variety of products from ready meals to crisps.

 

Ann Hodges, head of business regulation, said: "We don't want to be alarmist as the link between cancer and Sudan 1 is very small.   However, we want people to take every precaution possible.   Please check the FSA's list and if you have any items that are on it, throw them away or return them to the store where you purchased them.  

 

"As well, if anyone sees any of these products still on sale in stores in Ealing, please tell us so we can investigate."

 

Ealing is working closely with the FSA during the recall.   Any food importers that the FSA believe may have sold on products containing the dye are being contacted by the council.  

 

All small retailers are also being contacted by the council to make sure that have withdrawn any contaminated products.

 

 

February 18th, 2005