Chilli powder imported from India containing Sudan I dye used in chutney and relish produced by Shaw's (Huddersfield) Ltd

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, a potentially cancer causing chemical, has been imported into the country from India and used in products produced by Shaws (Huddersfield) Ltd, Silver Street, Huddersfield.

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 products listed below have been identified as containing Sudan I. The company has undertaken a trade withdrawal of the retail-size products with any Best Before End date up 01.02.2006 and of the Food-Service (Catering) size with any Best Before End date before July 04.

Shaws (Huddersfield) Ltd contact number for customer enquiries is 01484 539999.

The details of the products are as follows:

Retail-Size Products
Red Pepper & Aubergine Relish 280g
Hot Mango Chutney 300g
Flaming Hot Chutney 300g
Spicy Apricot Chutney 300g
Mild Chilli Relish 300g
Tomato Relish 300g
Onion Chutney 300g
Curried Fruit Chutney 300g
Barbecue Relish 300g

Food-Service (Catering) Size Products
Tomato Relish 2.4Kg
Mild Chilli Relish 2.4Kg
Tomato Chilli Relish 2.4Kg
Chilli Relish 2.4Kg
Red Hot Chilli Sauce 2.3Kg

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should take action if these products are found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that they are withdrawn from sale and destroyed, if necessary using powers under the Food Safety Act 1990.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 attached below, as a guide as to what to say in any local news release.

An example of Shaws Flaming Hot Chutney labelling can also be found below.