5 May 2005 - The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today advised that it is informing food manufacturers and retailers in Ireland to be vigilant for the potential presence of Para Red in some foodstuffs. The FSAI stated that Para Red, an industrial dye used as an illegal food colourant, has been detected in a number of foodstuffs in the UK. Although detailed data are not available on this substance, it is sufficiently similar to Sudan Red 1 that it is likely to have a similar toxicology profile. Sudan Red 1 has carcinogenic properties and has been banned as a food colourant throughout Europe since 2003. An initial 13 products have been identified on the Irish market and are listed on the FSAI website – see below.
The FSAI is working with the food industry to identify any products that could be available on the Irish market that might contain Para Red, to ensure those products are withdrawn from the market. The FSAI will publish on its website www.fsai.ie all known products as they are identified and consumers are advised to either throw them out or return such products to the shop where they were purchased. Consumers with queries can contact the FSAI advice line on 1890 33 66 77.
According to Dr. John O’Brien, Chief Executive, FSAI, the use of any illegal dyes in food will not be tolerated.
“We would like to reassure consumers that the safety risks are minimal and they should not be overly concerned. However, the use of Para Red as a colourant in food is illegal and in the best interest of public health, any implicated food products should not be consumed. We are in discussions with the EU Commission to agree a European strategy to address such incidents of food adulteration. Para Red is a new form of adulteration that has come to light recently. So new, in fact, that most manufacturers may not yet be aware of it. The FSAI has written to all manufacturers to request they obtain certificates of analysis for batches of spice mixture for the presence of Para Red and other illegal colourants. Swift action is being taken in Ireland and the UK to remove affected products from the market,” said Dr O’Brien.
The FSAI is requesting Irish retailers and manufacturers to immediately recall any affected products as they become known and remove them from the market. In addition, the FSAI will be requesting businesses to publish recall notices relating to affected products in the national media.