Chilli Powder Warning

8 August 2003

The Food Standards Agency has warned that some food products sold in the UK have been found to contain chilli powder illegally contaminated with the dye Sudan I, a chemical which could cause cancer. The Agency and local authorities are working to ensure that these products are removed from sale.

There is no immediate threat of illness and those most at risk would be people eating contaminated products regularly over a long time. Anyone who has one of these products at home should throw it away and shops should not be selling them.

The following products have so far either tested positive for Sudan I or have been withdrawn from sale by the companies on a precautionary basis:

Shaws (Huddersfield) Ltd (customer enquiries is 01484 539999).
The following Shaws retail size products (with any Best Before End date up 01.02.2006): 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

HP Foods Limited (helpline 08000721122)
Only the following Rajah products with a Best Before End date prior to 18.07.2005.
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 with the Tandoori Masala also being available in 100g tins. These sizes and larger sizes (1kg & 8 kg) are also sold through wholesalers in packets with Tandoori Masala also available in tubs.

For further information please contact the above numbers or the environmental health department at the Comhairle on 01851 709396 or go to the Food Standards Agency Website www.food.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/sudani.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk