FSA issue food hazard warning

The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland has issued a further food hazard warning as a result of its investigation into products on the UK market that may contain the chemical dye Sudan I.

Sudan I has been known to cause cancer, however, while there is no immediate threat of illness those most at risk would be people eating contaminated products regularly and over a long period of time.

Since July, the Agency has been investigating any food products, in the UK, that may have been affected by contaminated chilli powder. It is understood that three chilli suppliers in India had been adulterating their chilli powder with the red dye Sudan I, which is not permitted for use in food.

To date a number of products have been withdrawn and recalled from sale in the UK because the chilli powder they contained had been linked to these sources.

The latest products which are known to have been contaminated with the dye, are from the Favourit brand range of seasonings packed by Martin Foods. Products thought to be affected are Favourit Madras Curry Powder 50g; Favourit Aromatic Spicy and Hot Madras Curry Powder 500g; Favourit Chilli Powder 50g; and Favourit Quality Fine Ground Hot Chilli Powder 500g.

The 500g products are packaged in a white tub with a red lid while the 50g products are packaged in a clear tub with a red lid.

These products have been distributed to wholesalers in Enniskillen, Newtownards, Cookstown, Ballymena, Coleraine, Lurgan, Belfast and Newtownabbey.

Members of the public and caterers or retailers who have purchased a contaminated product should either throw it away, or return it to the shop/supplier and request a refund.

(MB)