Contamination of Mehran brand extra hot chilli powder with Sudan dyes

Tuesday 27 July 2004

Category C: For action as deemed necessary

Ref: 34/2004 (England) 35/2004 (Scotland)

Mehran Brand Extra Hot Chilli Powder has been found to be contaminated with the illegal dyes, Sudan I and Sudan IV.

Sudan I and Sudan IV are not permitted colours under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995. They are considered to be genotoxic carcinogens and their presence, at any level, is not permitted in foodstuffs for any purpose.

The affected product was manufactured and packed by Pure Food Ltd. P.O. Box 16872, Jabel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

It has been imported into the United Kingdom by Moona Foods Ltd. 61 Spencer Road, Bradford, BD7 2HD and distributed by them through cash and carry outlets and independent retailers and they have instigated a trade withdrawal.

Another importer/distributor is Weedofoods Ltd. Unit 8, Manor Way Business Centre, Fairview Industrial Park, Marsh Way, Rainham, Essex RM11 8UG; but it is believed that they are no longer trading and distribution information is unavailable.

Product affected:
The product affected is Mehran Brand Extra Hot Chilli Powder, sold in 100gram bags with a 'best before' date 02/2006

Identification of the product:
The product is packed in a clear plastic bag, net weight 100 grams. The front of the bag has the Mehran logo at the top in cream lettering on a green background. Below this in white lettering on a red background are the words EXTRA HOT CHILLI POWDER and the product description in black lettering in three different languages. The front of the bag has a gold and black border.

On the rear of the bag the importer's details and 'best before' date are over-printed in black lettering along the central seam. All other labelling on the rear of the bag is in black lettering on a beige background with the exception of the words Mehran and Pure Food Ltd, which are in gold lettering.

To assist local authorities on correct identification of this product pictures can be viewed from the link at the foot of this page.

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 and IV. In addition Sudan I and IV are not permitted colours.

Because the precise distribution of the affected product is uncertain, there remains the possibility that some may remain on sale in cash and carry outlets or independent retailers or remain in consumers’ homes. If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn from sale and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act. Local authorities are therefore asked to consider providing local publicity on this issue at the next available opportunity.

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