FSAI revises list of foods containing illegal dye

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has published a new list of products believed to be contaminated with the illegal foodstuff dye Sudan Red 1.

The updated list contains 16 new products - including crisps, soup and ready meals - bringing the list of contaminated foods to 67.

Sudan Red 1 has been banned for use in food since 2003 after it was discovered that it may cause cancer. However, the dye would need to be consumed regularly over a long period of time to pose a serious health risk.

The dye found its way into the food chain through a contaminated batch of chilli powder imported to Britain from India, which was used by Premier Foods (UK) in the manufacture of Worcester sauce. The sauce was then used in the manufacture of other food products.

The products added to the list of recalled foods include: Supreme Vegetable Soup from Aldi (Up to 02/07); Walkers Crisps Mixed Veriety 24 pack with packs of Worcester Sauce-flavoured Crisps (up to 07/05/05); Tesco Value Shepherd's Pie (up to use by date February 22nd); Tesco Value Sausage and Onion Pie (up to use by date February 22nd); Tesco Value Cottage Pie (up to use by date February 22nd); Tesco BBQ Ribs (up to use by date February 22nd); Tesco BBQ Sticky Ribs (up to use by date February 22nd); Tesco Stonebaked BBQ Chicken Pizza (up to use by date February 22nd); Heinz Weight Watchers Lamb Shepherds Pie; Schwartz Authentic Sizzling Beef in Blackbean Sauce; Schwartz Authentic Mexican Chilli Chicken; Schwartz Classic Roast Beef Gravy Mix; Schwartz Authentic Chicken Fajitas; Schwartz Potato Wedges Smokey BBQ; Schwartz Creamy Garlic Mushroom Mix; and Schwartz Roast Onion Gravy Mix.

The full list of contaminated food products is available at www.fsai.ie.