Food Hazard Warning - Para Red

Date:  17 May 2005

Three Rivers District Council in conjunction with The Food Standards Agency, on 11th of May updated an earlier warning issued as part of its investigation into food products on the UK market that may contain the industrial food dye Para Red.

Para Red is not allowed to be used in food and it could cause cancer. The Agency is asking local authorities' food law enforcers to contact shops to ensure that products containing Para Red are removed from sale. They will also be contacting caterers and manufacturers to ensure that the products are not being used.

There is no immediate threat of illness from eating food containing Para Red. People most at risk would be those eating contaminated products regularly and over a long period of time. Anyone who has purchased a contaminated product should either throw it away, or return and request a refund from the shop where it was purchased.

For further information and a full up to date list of products contaminated with Para Red Dye, please contact the Food Standards Agency at:

Room 245 Aviation House

125 Kingsway

London WC2B 6NH

Telephone: 020 7276 8888

Email: press.mailbox@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk

Alternatively you can contact John Scott, Commercial Standards Manager or Elaine Blencowe, Environment Officer at Three Rivers District Council Environmental Health Department, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 1RL. Tel: 01923 776611, where a full list can be obtained upon request.

Products which could potentially contain Para Red are:

Discovery Salsa Wrap 'n Roll 340g Snack Use By Dates 13 May, 16 May and 21 May 2005

Discovery Taco Seasoning 30g Seasoning Best Before Date March 2008 Iceland Ready Cooked Sliced Chicken Tikka Strips 200g Cook-chilled Use By Dates 06 May to 10 May 2005 and also 13 May 2005