Contamination of Epicure chilli beans in chilli sauce with Sudan I dye

Monday 12 July 2004

Category C: For action as deemed necessary

Ref: 29/2004 (England) C30/2004 (Scotland)

A batch of Epicure brand chilli beans in chilli sauce 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 Petty Wood & Co Ltd., Walworth Industrial Estate, Andover, Hampshire SP10 5AN.

Petty Wood & Co Ltd. has undertaken a trade withdrawal of all the affected Chilli Beans in Chilli Sauce, and has notified major customers of the problem and will provide them with point of sale product recall notices.

Product affected:
Epicure Chilli Beans in Chilli Sauce, sold in 410g tins, with a Best Before End of MAR 2007 with the batch code ECB 5124.

To assist local authorities in correct identification of this product, a picture can be viewed at 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 If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act.

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 at the next available opportunity on this issue.

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