Contamination of Mr Bean's Three Bean Mexican Chilli with Sudan I dye

Tuesday 3 August 2004

Category C: For action as deemed necessary

Ref: 35/2004 (England): C36/2004 (Scotland)

Mr Bean’s Three Bean Mexican Chilli 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.

The affected product was manufactured by Vegetarian World, 15 Holloway Drive, Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley, Manchester M28 2LZ, and distributed by Healthy Sales & Marketing, Ridges Court Industrial Park, Okehurst Lane, Billingshurst RH14 9HR.

Healthy Sales & Marketing has undertaken a trade withdrawal of all the affected Three Bean Mexican Chilli, and has notified major wholesalers and independent retailers of the problem.

Product affected
Mr Bean’s Three Bean Mexican Chilli, sold in 400g tins, with a 'best before end' date of February 2006, and batch code MBBC 4041. To assist local authorities in correct identification of this product, pictures can be viewed from the link at the foot of this page.

Action 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 a trade withdrawal is being effective however it is possible that some of the affected product may still be on sale. If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act 1990. As the company has not issued a press release there remains the possibility that unused affected product is in consumers' homes. Local authorities are therefore asked to consider providing local publicity on this issue at the next available opportunity.

It is essential that all local authorities liaise at county level to ensure that they co-ordinate their actions.