Food safety recall round-up 28 April - 4 May 2017
Sudan dye in seasoning
Finland: Finnish customers and food safety authorities in Helsinki and Vantaa have found prohibited Sudan dye in two batches of chili and turmeric powder.
Wholesales bought chilli and/or turmeric powder in cash and no individual consumers or distributors can be reached.
Both products are of Indian origin and the manufacturer or packer is Samruthy Food Product. They were on sale from August 2016 to February 2017 and have now been discontinued.
Unauthorised colours Sudan 1 (2.9 mg/kg-ppm) and Sudan 4 (1.9 mg/kg - ppm) in turmeric powder and unauthorised colours Sudan 1 (6 mg/kg-ppm), Sudan 4 (260 mg/kg-ppm), Fast Garnet and Orange II were found in mild chili powder from India, according to the RASFF portal.
The discovery was made by authorities as part of Operation Opson. The samples were analysed as regards colouring agents, irradiation and accuracy of product specification. Turmeric powders and food supplements were also analysed for lead content.
A total of 950.5 kg of turmeric, curry and chili seasoning products in breach of food regulations were found.
The batches examined contained incorrect product specifications and residues of pesticides prohibited in organic farming were found in one turmeric powder labelled to be organic.