"The list of products will continue to be updated and put in the public domain," says FSA Chief Executive Dr. Jon Bell. "There is no risk of immediate illness, and the health risk generally is likely to be very small. But if you have any of these products at home, it’s sensible not to eat them," he cautions.

Large-Scale Operation

The companies producing the food products involved have a legal obligation to remove them from the market, as well as to notify authorities and consumers, according to Dr. Bell.

"We expect remaining product information to be provided immediately," he notes, "although, given the scale and complexity of the problem, it is likely to take until Thursday to pull that together.

"However, we expect food business to remove any remaining affected products as soon as they can," he says. "This is a very large scale operation involving hundreds of companies. The health risk is very small, but it is important that consumers have accurate information as many products have already been reformulated."

The Agency has reminded food companies of their legal responsibility to ensure that food sold is fit for purpose and that they should check that any remaining stock of chili powder or products made from chili powder is free from Sudan I. Investigations continue into this incident.

Tainted Worcester Sauce

On February 18, the FSA advised people not to eat foods that had been inadvertently contaminated with an illegal dye, Sudan I. This dye was in a batch of chili powder used by Premier Foods to manufacture a Worcester sauce, which then was used as an ingredient in a wide range of products.

Consumers were advised not yo eat any of the products they might have on hand and to contact the store where they bought them from for a refund.

"Sudan I could contribute to an increased risk of cancer," Dr. Bell warned. "However, at the levels present, the risk is likely to be very small, but it is sensible to avoid eating any more. There is no risk of immediate ill-health," he emphasized.

"The Agency is working with the industry to ensure that any remaining affected products are speedily removed. Because of the widespread use of this Worcester sauce to flavour other foods, we may find further affected products. We will continue to take action to remove these and minimise the risks to consumers," he added.

Soups, Sauces, Prepared Meals

The foods, including soups, sauces and ready meals, had been distributed widely. At least 350 food products were known to be affected on Feburary 18, and the list was updated today. The companies whose products are listed are co-operating with the Agency to ensure the products are withdrawn.

Sudan I is a dye that should not be added to food and is banned in the UK and across the EU. Since July 2003 all chili powder imported into the UK has to be certified free of Sudan I.

The FSA and local authorities randomly sample more than 1,000 consignments a year of imported chili products. However, this batch predates this sampling program and was uncovered after sampling of Worcester sauce produced by Premier Foods exported to Italy.