Following recent laboratory tests, traces of the colourants Methyl Yellow and Sudan 1 were discovered in certain Simply Delicious products produced in June and July 2014. "These colourants can make food unsafe because of the possible toxicity and carcinogenic properties of such compounds," the company said in a statement. "The problem affects only these specific batches of Simply Delicious product."
Both substances are described by the World Health organisation as representing possible risk to human health, and are prohibited in certain countries around the world, including South Africa. "We have therefore temporarily withdrawn the Simply Delicious product from all supermarkets as a result of these findings.
"The Simply Delicious range of products is produced in India under the strict control of an internationally renowned flavour house and retested by Tastic in an independent laboratory in South Africa to ensure that our high specifications are met."
Any consumer who has Simply Delicious cook-in-sauces or ready-to-eat rice product in their cupboard - specifically produced in June or July 2014 - is advised to return this to any one of the major supermarkets. Affected consumers will receive in return a coupon to the value of the returned product, which they can use to purchase any product of their choice.
A helpline is available for any consumers who have questions about the recall - 0860 121 344.
