Chilli powder imported from India containing Sudan I dye used in Rajah brand seasoning mixes

Thursday 31 July 2003

Category C: Action as deemed necessary

Heads of Environmental Health Services and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware that contaminated chilli powder containing an illegal dye Sudan I, has been imported into the UK from India and used in products produced for BE International Foods, a division of HP Foods Limited.

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.

The Rajah brand products listed below have been identified as containing Sudan I. The company has undertaken a full trade withdrawal of the products with any Best Before End dates up until 18th July 2005 from all their customers.

Any product with a Best Before End date of 18.07.2005 or after this date is confirmed to be made with chilli powder that is clear of Sudan I.

HP Foods Limited have set up a helpline to address customer enquiries. The Rajah Consumer Services team can be contacted on 0800 0721 122 and the company will arrange collection and reimbursement of the consumer's costs.

Only the products mentioned below are affected; no other Rajah products are affected.

The details of the products are as follows:

• Rajah Tandoori Masala
• Rajah Natural Tandoori Masala
• Rajah Jerk seasoning
• Rajah Chilli & Lemon seasoning
• Rajah Oriental Noodle seasoning
• Rajah Chicken seasoning

These products are retailed in 100g and 400g packets. These sizes and larger sizes (1kg and 8 kg) are also sold through wholesalers.

Action to be taken by local authorities where deemed necessary:

The products detailed above present a health risk if consumed in sufficient quantity, and do 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 under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995.

Local Authorities should take action if these products are found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that they are withdrawn from sale and destroyed, if necessary using powers under the Food Safety Act 1990.

It is essential that all Local Authorities liaise at county level to ensure that enforcement authorities agree who will take the lead in dealing with this incident.

Given the nature of the problem, and that this type of product is likely to remain for long periods in consumers' homes between purchase and consumption, further local publicity may assist in preventing consumers eating any affected product they may have.

Local Authorities are, therefore, asked to consider providing local publicity at the next available opportunity to this issue.

For that purpose Local Authorities may wish to use the Food Standards Agency's press release as a guide as to what to say in any local news release.