Food experts are discussing plans to test a range of spices imported into the UK for illegal dyes, according to the BBC.
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The Food Standards Agency may look for the presence of dyes in spices such as turmeric, chilli, paprika and cayenne pepper, the broadcaster said.
In February, a scare involving the potentially cancer-causing Sudan I dye sparked the recall of more than 600 food products in the UK.
Last month illegal dye Para Red was found in some Old El Paso Dinner Kits.
Also in April, supermarket chain Tesco recalled some batches of its own-brand barbecue flavoured rice cakes, after they were found to contain Sudan I and Para Red.
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By GlobalDataAround the same time Bart Spices Ltd recalled its own brand ground paprika and Co-op brand ground paprika, due to contamination with Para Red.
Earlier in April the European Commission ordered that foods containing palm oil and turmeric be added to a list of products which must be certified as safe before being imported into the EU, in case they contain Sudan I.
Sudan I has been shown to cause cancer in mice, but the risk to humans who eat the affected food is thought to be extremely low.
On Tuesday the Times said the FSA intended to produce a formal plan for the latest checks, later this week.
The FSA told BBC News nothing had yet been decided, but that it planned to talk to members of the food industry and technical experts in other EU countries.
A spokesman added that the organisation did survey work on foods all the time, and that there was no guarantee illegal substances would be found.
