Contamination of Natco brand Tandoori Masala with Sudan I dye

Heads of Environmental Health and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware that Natco brand Tandoori Masala Spice Mix has been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan I.

Sudan I is not a permitted colour under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995. It is considered to be a genotoxic carcinogen and its presence, at any level, is not permitted in foodstuffs for any purpose. Natco brand Tandoori Masala Spice Mix is distributed by Natco Foods Ltd and has been on sale in various retail outlets, including cash and carry stores, in the United Kingdom.

The company has undertaken a trade withdrawal of affected product with the batch code M9224 in 100g and 400g packets – all best before dates with this batch code.

No other Natco brand products are known to be affected.

Identification of the product:

The Tandoori Masala spice is sold in 100g and 400g clear plastic bags with black lettering on a yellow background. The front of the pack displays the Natco logo at the top with the product description beneath it and the ingredients are listed on the back of the packet. To assist Local Authorities on correct identification of this product pictures can be viewed at the link below.

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 ongoing trade withdrawal is being effective however it is likely that some of the affected products may still be on sale or remain within the catering trade. If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act.

As the company has not issued any press release or point of sale notices in retail outlets there remains the possibility that unused affected product is 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 Standards Agency’s press release which can be found on the FSA web site as a guide for any local news release.