European Commission extends controls for Sudan dye

06/04/05 The European Commission is extending controls for Sudan dyes to include imports of curcuma and virgin palm oil as well as chilli and chilli products, and has published a new leaflet to remind food and feed operators of their responsibilities for food safety.

Member States have endorsed a Commission proposal to add curcuma and virgin palm oil to the list of food products which must be certified as free of Sudan dyes (Sudan I, II, III and Scarlet Red/Sudan IV), in order to be imported into the EU (see MEX/04/0121). The new Commission leaflet outlines the key obligations of food and feed operators when it comes to food safety.

Controls carried out by Member States have revealed that numerous consignments of curcuma and virgin palm oil have been found to be contaminated with Sudan dyes. Sudan dyes have been classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and are banned from use in food in the EU. National authorities are responsible for ensuring that imports of chilli powders and products are free of Sudan dyes and they must use the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed to inform the Commission and other Member States if these dyes are detected.

The seven key obligations of food and feed business operators outlined in the new leaflet remind operators that they must ensure the safety of their products, take responsibility and ensure traceability, transparency and prevention. Immediate withdrawals must be carried out in the case of emergencies and co-operation with the authorities in risk-reducing actions is essential.