Archive Trading Standards Press Release

02.03.05

Local Action to Remove Sudan I Dye Affected Products from Sales

The recent Food Standards Agency alert, concerning a large number of foods inadvertently contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan I which was in a batch of chilli powder used to manufacture Worcester Sauce, has led to local action being taken by the Housing and Public Protection Department to ensure that any affected product on sale in the Wrexham County Borough area is removed rapidly from sale.

Andy Lewis, Chief Housing and Public Protection Officer, comments "The list of products continues to grow and it is predominantly supermarket own brands which appear to be affected. Currently all supermarkets, wholesalers and multiple retailers are being visited by Food Standards Officers to ensure that these companies are taking the necessary steps to remove items from sale".

Mr Lewis continued "All other food retailers and caterers including the licensed trade are being contacted by letter to alert them to the problem and provide them with an up-to-date list of affected products, as there are a number of non-own brand products identified as being affected which these outlets may sell or incorporate into their products.

Mr Lewis concludes that "By adopting this approach locally we are backing the national initiative being taken by Food Standards Agency to ensure that affected products are removed from sale".

Further information on Sudan I contamination can be obtained by visiting the Food Standards Agency website at www.food.gov.uk.

For further information contact Kevin Jones Senior Trading standards Officer - Commerce 01978 296060.