Date:05/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/05/05/stories/2005050502021000.htm

Back EU may scan all spices import for harmful dyes

Batuk Gathani

London , May 4

EUROPEAN Union authorities are keen to impose strict checks on all spices for any dye that could be harmful if consumed by humans. EU authorities are asking all member-states to follow the British lead and ensure that all categories of spices sold in European supermarkets are subjected to checks for banned dyes such as "Sudan I".

Britain is the leading importer of Indian spices, which is now under scrutiny, and related products. After the indigenous British population, the main consumers are some 1.7 million South Asians — people of Indian origin number around eight lakh, while the rest are from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

China and Thailand top current exports of agricultural products to the EU, and India may rank as the third-largest exporter from Asia.

The British authorities have proposed that all imports of spices from global suppliers be subject to checks for presence of banned dyes. Items including chilli powder, paprika, cayenne pepper and turmeric, may now face rigorous new tests after recent revelations that they contain illegal dyes linked to cancer.

The tests may begin as early as Friday. Sudan and para red variety are particularly blamed for "adulterated dyes" that add more colour to the products, widely sold in supermarket chains.

The authorities are still trying to identify the suppliers of these products.

The European authorities have identified two more varieties of textile dyes which are linked to cancer, and it is alleged that they are used illegally in food and spices.

They have been detected in chilli powder imports from Vietnam and other food products sold in Germany.

The authorities are trying to identify the scale of the problem and it is agreed that only independent tests in the EU countries can finally contain the suspected health challenge.