Contamination of Map Tandoori Masala with Sudan I dye
Thursday 20 November 2003
Category C: Action as deemed necessary
Heads of Environmental Health and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware that Map brand Tandoori Masala Spice Mix 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.
Map brand Tandoori Masala Spice Mix is distributed by Bestway Cash and Carry stores and has been on sale in various retail outlets in the United Kingdom.
The company has undertaken a trade withdrawal of affected product in 100g, 400g and 1kg packets, all best before end March 2004, and displayed point of sale notices in Bestway Cash and Carry stores.
No other Map brand products are known to be affected.
Identification of the product:
The Tandoori Masala spice is sold in 100g, 400g and 1kg predominantly clear plastic bags that contain the red coloured spice mix.
The front of the bag has a picture of spices on an orange coloured background at the top.
The Map logo is beneath this picture in lower case white lettering on a blue and red background.
The name of the product 'Tandoori Masala' is below the logo in blue lettering on a white background with the weight and best before date below.
To assist Local Authorities on correct identification of this product pictures can be viewed on the FSA web site.
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.
Although the company has undertaken a trade withdrawal and the product Best Before End March 2004 is no longer on sale in the Bestway cash and carry stores; it is likely that some of the affected products may still be on sale in other retail outlets or remain within the catering trade.
If any of these products are found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act.
As the company has not issued any press release there remains the possibility that unused affected product is in consumers homes.
Local Authorities are therefore asked to consider providing local publicity at the next available opportunity to this issue.
