Sudan I - your questions answered

Sudan I is a red dye that is used for colouring solvents, oils, waxes, petrol, and shoe and floor polishes. It is not allowed to be added to food in the UK and the rest of the EU. However, inadvertent contamination of some food products has been uncovered.

The Agency is working with the food industry and local authorities to make sure that all the affected products are removed from the shelves and is tracing any foods that may be contaminated.

Sudan I could contribute to an increased risk of cancer and it is not possible to identify a safe level or to quantify the risk. However, at the levels present in these food products the risk is likely to be very small.

There is no risk of immediate illness. If you have eaten these products the risk is likely to be very small, and not eating them any more is a sensible thing to do.

Being exposed to a substance that could contribute to the development of cancer does not necessarily mean that you will develop cancer. There are many causes of cancer, including lifestyle and environment.

Sudan I is thought to contribute to cancer, and consumers should not be exposed to it unnecessarily. Experts advise that exposure should be as low as practical. It is also illegal in foods.

If people have any at home they are advised not to eat them and to contact the store where they bought them for a refund.

Some restaurants and takeaways have been using products containing Sudan I. These products are being withdrawn.

All dried and crushed or ground chilli coming into any EU Member State must be accompanied by a certificate showing they have been tested and found to be free of Sudan I. Any consignment that does not have a certificate is detained for sampling and analysis. Random sampling is also undertaken both at ports and by local authorities. All consignments found to contain Sudan I must be destroyed.