The council is warning retailers and cash and carry outlets to check their shelves for foods thought to be contaminated with the illegal dye Para Red.
Para Red is chemically similar to the Sudan dyes. Scientists say it is also likely to be a genotoxic carcinogen. Para Red is an industrial dye used in printing inks. The contamination is thought to have originated from a consignment of spice imported into Spain from Uzbekistan. It is then thought to have been incorporated into a variety of UK manufactured foods.
A list of affected products issued by the Food Standards Agency includes supermarket ‘own brands’ and about 25 other brands sold to smaller independent retailers. Large supermarket chains have issued their own product recalls, but independent retailers may not yet be aware that this problem exists.
A list of all affected products can be found on the Food Standards Agency’s website.
Although the products affected are not likely to cause an immediate danger to health, anyone who has suspect products in their possession would be unwise to consume them. Retailers and cash and carries should check the recall list and remove affected products from sale, if they have not already done so.
The council is making spot checks on local retailers. But because of the large number of premises that could be selling these products it is unlikely that all can be inspected for compliance. Therefore, Trading Standards and Environmental Health officers are again warning that businesses have a legal duty to ensure that their products comply with food laws. They should not wait to be told in person by a Trading Standards or Environmental Health officer.
Para Red is not a permitted food colour and it is believed to be a genotoxic carcinogen. Its presence, at any level, is outlawed in any foodstuffs. As well as presenting a potential health risk, products containing Para Red do not comply with the food safety requirements specified in the Food Safety Act 1990.
Anyone with any concerns or who sees any product on sale should contact North Lincolnshire Trading Standards on (01724) 297664.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is also warning consumers not to eat foods that have been contaminated with an illegal dye, Sudan 1.
Over 350 products have been recalled. These products have been contaminated with a dye used in the manufacture of Worcester sauce. This is then used as an ingredient in a wide range of products. These range from seafood sauces through to frozen ready meals.
The vast majority of the products concerned are own branded prepared foods produced by national retailers and supermarkets.
These businesses have already taken steps to remove products from the shelves and warn purchasers. Any customer who has one of the products subject to the recall should either return it for a refund or destroy it.
A list of products is on the FSA website.
The risks associated with eating Sudan 1 are very small and there is no risk of immediate illness.
Retailers and catering outlets should check their stocks against the FSA list. They should comply with any guidance and instructions given by the manufacturer or supplier. The council’s Trading Standards section will offer advice to any business or worried consumer on 01724 297664.