Contamination of Crucials brand Extra Hot Stuff Hot Chilli Sauce with Sudan I

Crucials Brand Extra Hot Stuff Hot Chilli Sauce has been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan I.

Sudan I is not a permitted colour under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995. It is considered to be a genotoxic carcinogen and its presence, at any level, is not permitted in foodstuffs for any purpose. Crucials Brand Extra Hot Stuff Hot Chilli Sauce has been sold through a number of independent Cash and Carry wholesale outlets across the country.

The manufacturer has undertaken a trade withdrawal of affected products in 1 litre plastic squeezee bottles and 2.5 litre plastic jars, which carry a best before date of June 2004, July 2004, August 2004 or September 2004.

No other Crucial Brand sauces are known to be affected.

Identification of the product:

The Extra Hot Chilli sauce is sold in 1 litre and 2.5 litre plastic containers which are intended for the catering trade. The front of the plastic containers bear a black rectangular label bearing the brand name Crucials, the product name Extra Hot Stuff Hot Chilli Sauce, and a picture of a 'flaming' red chilli under which the words 'with chilli seeds' are written.

The label also bears a list of ingredients, and the name and address of the manufacturers. To assist Local Authorities on the correct identification of this product, pictures of both the 1 litre and 2.5 litre containers can be viewed at the links below.

Actions to be taken by local authorities:

The product presents a health risk if consumed in sufficient quantity, and does not comply with the food safety requirements specified in the Food Safety Act 1990 due to contamination with Sudan I. In addition, Sudan I is not a permitted colour.

The manufacturer has undertaken a trade withdrawal from known retail outlets. However, because the product is aimed at the catering trade, it is likely that there may still be product in use in catering establishments that have purchased the products from cash and carry wholesale outlets. Local Authorities are asked to make contact with catering establishments in their area who are likely to use this product to ensure that affected products are not used but are destroyed.

It is essential that all local authorities liaise at county level to ensure that they co-ordinate their actions.