NZ food clear of danger dye says Safety Authority

Few, if any, products sold in New Zealand are likely to be contaminated by an illegal dye which has led to a British food recall, says the Food Safety Authority.

In Britain, 359 products have been taken off shop shelves after it was found they contained a dye called Sudan 1, which could increase the risk of cancer.

The red dye, which is used for colouring solvents, oils, waxes, petrol and shoe polishes, is banned from food in the European Union - including Britain - New Zealand and Australia.

Authorities found it in a batch of chilli powder used by British company Premier Foods to make Worcester sauce, which was then used as an ingredient in products including pizzas, noodles, pies, lasagnes and seafood sauce.

New Zealand Food Safety Authority spokeswoman Jenny Bishop said a monitoring programme was set up last year after international concerns were raised when Sudan 1 was found in chilli powder from India.

Testing of 43 chilli powders and products containing chilli powder found one with measurable levels of the dye. The importer voluntarily withdrew the product from sale.