Britain brings in food dye tests

All imported spices including chilli powder and paprika are to be tested for banned chemicals amid concern they contain illegal dyes linked to cancer.

If any banned substances are discovered by the stringent new tests it will lead to hundreds of products being withdrawn from sale.

The recent alert over Sudan 1 led to the biggest food recall in Britain at a cost of about £100 million.

The Food Standards Agency’s decision to introduce the tests follows the discovery of Sudan 1 — and another banned dye Para Red — in the food chain. The FSA said today a testing plan would be developed this week. “We will be working with the food industry to take this forward,” said an FSA spokeswoman.

She added: “The agency believes that any risk to the general public is likely to be very small.”

Food watchdogs in Europe believe many foreign spice manufacturers may be adding illegal dyes to enhance the look of their products. Dyes are also used to extend the shelf life of many foodstuffs.