The Hindu Business Line : Further European alert on red dye in chillies

Chilli and all chilli-based products including curry powder can be imported into the EU provided they are accompanied by an analytical report showing absence of Sudan-I, Sudan-II, Sudan-III or Scarlet Red (Sudan-IV).

Mumbai , Jan. 23

THE scare over contamination of chilli and products derived there from has taken another turn with Europe declaring an emergency measure mandating that imports of chilli and chilli products — now, including curry powder — cannot cross the European Union (EU) border without evidence of freedom from chemical dyes.

In other words, chilli and all chilli-based products including curry powder — widely used in food products in Europe — can be imported into the EU provided they are accompanied by an analytical report showing absence of Sudan-I, Sudan-II, Sudan-III or Scarlet Red (Sudan-IV), all classified as carcinogenic (cancer causing) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, according to reports.

Random checks are expected to be carried out on chilli and curry products already on the market.

In the United Kingdom, the food industry has reportedly recalled for destruction of more than 130 products — ranging from pesto sauce to chicken tikka masala — from the supermarket shelves since July 2003 and enforcement of the new measures.

The process of tightening food regulations commenced in May 2003 when illegal red dye was discovered in chilli and chilli products in France. Food products recalls are now burgeoning.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has asked food companies to withdraw and recall contaminated products as soon as they are identified.

Last year FSA asked all manufacturers who used chilli powder or chilli products as part of the ingredients in their products to ensure that if it was imported from India and supplied to them prior to July 30, 2003 that they must ensure it had not been contaminated with Sudan-I as specified in the Food (Hot Chilli and Hot Chilli Products) (Emergency Control) (England) Regulations 2003.

Sudan-I is used for colouring solvents, oils and petrol. It is an illegal colour under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995.

The red dye is considered to be genotoxic carcinogen and its presence is not permitted at any level in food for any purpose.

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