Written question asked by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 22 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 March 2005. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 10 March 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when (a) his Department and (b) the Food Standards Agency first became aware that Sudan 1 was being used as an additive to food for human consumption in the UK.

Answer: Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when (a) his Department and (b) the Food Standards Agency first became aware that Sudan 1 was being used as an additive to food for human consumption in the UK. [218474] Miss Melanie Johnson :[holding answer 25 February 2005]: The Food Standards Agency first became aware of the first instance of contamination of a food with Sudan 1 was present in foods in the United Kingdom on 11 June 2003. Shortly afterwards, controls on the import of chilli powder into the European Union were introduced in all member states which require prior testing of these products to show they are free of Sudan dyes. Regulations introducing the above measures were signed on 28 July 2003.

Secondary information