SA food free of Sudan Red

Michael Broughton of the CGCSA says: "The formal trade has taken the matter as seriously as we have. At a meeting convened by the CGCSA, which was extremely well attended by all sectors, including growers, converters, manufacturers, packers and vendors, it was clearly demonstrated that processes and production lines are clear of Sudan dyes. The route by which Sudan Red could have entered the South African market has also been examined."

Broughton also pointed out that South Africa's standards controlling the manufacture and production of products are considerably more rigorous than international requirements: "The European Union allows five parts per million of the additive in products. South Africa permits no trace of it at all."

South African producers have submitted their products to stringent investigation and subsequent tests have revealed no sign of the dye. Customs is currently gearing up to test all relevant products entering the country.

Products which were identified as containing Sudan Red were immediately removed from store shelves. Specific products, as well as those considered likely to be contaminated, were listed and suppliers requested to ensure that these products would in future be clear. Appropriate labelling will indicate that the product is free of the dye. In this regard, the CGCSA has asked the Department of Health to update its website, removing those products which have been cleared.

"The only problems which could now arise would be in the informal sector. Some 50% of the spice trade takes place in this environment, and it is an area where the CGCSA has no influence. We would thus caution consumers to purchase their products in reputable shops and supermarkets where they have the assurance that all products have been cleared of Sudan Red. "