Para Red: your questions answered
Thursday 5 May 2005
Find out more about the illegal food dye, Para Red.
What is Para Red?
Para Red is a chemical dye used in printing. It is not a permitted colour under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995 and its use in food is illegal.
What is the risk to people from eating any products that contain Para Red?
At the levels found in the foods listed, any risk is likely to be very small. However, the Agency's independent scientific experts have advised that although there is very limited data available it would be prudent to assume that it could be a genotoxic carcinogen and so exposure to it should be as low as is reasonably practical. It is sensible that people don't eat any of the products.
What is the difference between Para Red and Sudan I?
They are both red dyes and have very similar chemical structures. Para Red is used legitimately in printing ink and Sudan in a range of uses, including floor polish.
Why are these foods being withdrawn from sale?
Para Red is an illegal dye that should not be in food. At the levels being found in the affected foods, the risk is likely to be very small, but companies are legally required to remove the products from sale.
What should I do if I have any of these foods at home?
The Agency's general advice to consumers is that it is sensible not to eat products containing Para Red. If you have any of these products you can contact the store where you bought them for a refund.
Does the Agency consider that many more products contaminated with Para Red are likely to come to light?
It is possible that there may be more affected foods. The Agency is working with the food industry to identify any further products and any found will be removed from the market.
What else is the Agency doing to address this issue?
The contamination of spices with illegal dyes is a European-wide issue and the Agency has been pressing the European Commission to lead a co-ordinated approach. The Commission will hold a meeting with member states on Tuesday 10 May to consider the best way to tackle the problem.