18 February 2005 - The Food Standards Agency has advised Retailers and Food Manufacturers to withdraw from the sale of any products, which may contain Worcester Sauce, supplied to them from a specific batch manufactured by Premier Foods. This statement does not relate to Worcester Sauce supplied by any other food manufacturer.
The situation has arisen from a Quality Assurance check, which revealed the presence of Sudan 1 in Worcester Sauce, through the contamination of a batch of Chilli Powder, which is a very minor ingredient used to manufacture the sauce. Sudan 1 is a colourant, which is not permitted for use in food products. The FSA has advised that the levels of Sudan 1 detected present no immediate risk to health. In addition the Worcester Sauce when used as an ingredient of other food products is diluted to such an extent that Sudan 1 becomes virtually undetectable.
The ingredient was supplied to Premier from a reputable UK source, whom themselves had been supplied by another UK company. Premier received written assurance that the Chilli Powder did not contain Sudan 1, based on the suppliers internal testing procedures.
The FSA has initiated the product withdrawal as a precautionary measure. Premier Foods, although not the source of the contaminant are working closely with the FSA, to ensure that any users of the identified batch of Worcester Sauce are advised of the situation. Food retailers will advise consumers through in-store notices to contact the FSA if they have concerns or wish clarification.
It must be stressed that the product withdrawal is a purely precautionary measure, and the levels at which Sudan 1 occurs in the products concerned presents no immediate risk to health.