Contamination of Cirio brand Arrabbiata sauce imported from Italy with Sudan I dye

Friday 29 August 2003

Category C: Action as deemed necessary

Heads of Environmental Health Services and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware that Cirio Brand Arrabbiata sauce which has been imported from Italy by Cirio Del Monte NE Limited has been found to be contaminated with an illegal dye, Sudan I.

Sudan I is not a permitted colour under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995. It is a considered to be a genotoxic carcinogen and its presence, at any level is not permitted in foodstuffs for any purpose.

This product has been on sale in Sainsburys, Waitrose and a number of other retailers.

The Company have undertaken a trade withdrawal on 21st August 2003 of all the affected product which has a Best Before End date up to and including 06/04. No other Cirio products are known to be affected.

Identification of the product.

The sauce is sold only in 400g glass jars, which are circular in shape, and have a blue metal lid. The jar bears a front label which has the Cirio brand name on it, and the words Pasta Sauce Arrabbiata Chilli, and a back label bearing the ingredients, weight and serving suggestions.

Picture of Cirio Brand Arrabbiata sauce

To assist Local Authorities in correct identification of this product, a picture of the jar is shown here.

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.

It is believed that the trade withdrawal has been effective and that it is unlikely that any affected product remain on sale. If this product with a BBE date up to and including 06/04 or earlier is found on sale within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn from sale and destroyed, if necessary using powers under the Food Safety Act.

Because the company have not issued any press release or point of sale notices in retail outlets, there remains the possibility that unused affected product remain in consumers homes. Local Authorities are therefore asked, to consider providing local publicity at the next available opportunity to this issue. For that purpose Local Authorities may wish to refer to the Food Standard Agency's press release attached below as a guide as to what to say in any local news release.