The Indian chilli burn
The uk recently ordered the largest ever food recall in its history, amounting to us $28.76 million, due to the scare of contamination by carcinogenic chemical colourant sudan-1. The contaminant is alleged to have entered the food products through red chilli powder imported from India.
The powder is believed to have been exported by Mumbai-based Indian company Gautam Export. It found its way to a popular sauce brand, Worcester, manufactured by Premier Foods, a uk company. Following the detection of sudan- 1 in the sauce, the fear of contamination has spread to at least 15 other countries where it was being used.
Experts warn the detection might severely damage Indian chilli exports. The eu had already enforced strict emergency measures regarding chilli imports from India nearly 18 months ago. The finding will also be a big blow to the Spice Board of India's proud claim that chilli exports had increased from 38,000 tonnes in April-October 2003 to 54,000 tonnes during the same period in 2004.