The UK’s Food Standards Agency has warned that some batches of a couscous product sold in the UK contain chilli powder which has been contaminated with the chemical dye Sudan I. 

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Affected batches of Sammy’s Easy Cook Couscous – Zesty Lemon and Coriander have now been withdrawn from sale. The product, produced by First Quality Foods, was sold in Tesco’s supermarkets and Makro cash and carry stores.


The FSA said Sudan I could cause cancer if contaminated products were eaten regularly and over a long period of time.


Since July, the FSA has been investigating which food products in the UK could have been affected by contaminated chilli powder. It is understood that three chilli suppliers in India had been adulterating their chilli powder with Sudan I. More than 40 contaminated products have been withdrawn from sale and recalled in the UK so far.


The three Indian companies that have been identified as the source of contaminated chilli powder have had their licence to trade suspended by the Indian Spice Board pending further investigation.

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