Taipei, Taiwan — The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) confirmed Wednesday that a banned synthetic dye, Sudan I, was detected in a batch of curry powder. The contaminated product, branded as “Flying Horse Special Mix Curry Powder,” was produced by Chiseng Hong Ltd., a Taiwanese food manufacturer. The discovery of the dye has prompted immediate actions from health authorities and sparked an investigation into the source of the contamination.
The curry powder, which tested positive for 7 parts per billion (ppb) of Sudan I dye during a routine inspection on October 25, was part of a larger batch produced for sale in Taiwan. Further testing identified the source of the contamination: turmeric powder imported from India.
Details of the Contaminated Curry Powder
During the inspection by New Taipei City’s Department of Health, a sample of the curry powder was tested, leading to the detection of Sudan I, a red dye that is banned for use in food products in Taiwan. The TFDA immediately launched an investigation to determine the source of the dye contamination.
| Product | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Flying Horse Special Mix Curry Powder |
| Producer | Chiseng Hong Ltd. (Taiwan) |
| Contaminated Ingredient | Turmeric Powder (Imported from India) |
| Sudan Dye Detected | Sudan I (7 ppb in curry powder; 8 ppb in turmeric) |
| Total Units Produced | 5,253 boxes of curry powder (600 grams per box) |
| Expiration Date | May 6, 2026 |
| Distribution | 9 counties and cities in Taiwan (40% already recalled) |
| Recall Status | 1,958 boxes recalled (approximately 40% of total) |
Strengthened Border Inspections for Imported Spices
The TFDA revealed that the contaminated turmeric powder had been imported from India. This product, which was sourced before the implementation of stricter border controls on imported spices earlier this year, had been used in the curry powder production.
In response to the findings, the TFDA has immediately taken the following actions:
- Strengthened Inspections: All shipments of turmeric powder imported from India will now be subject to batch-by-batch inspection for Sudan dyes, effective immediately. This measure will continue for the next year.
- Product Destruction: Any turmeric powder found to be contaminated with Sudan dye will be destroyed upon arrival at Taiwan’s borders, with no possibility for the product to be returned to the country of origin.
- Expanded Testing: The TFDA will extend its inspections to 22 businesses that have imported turmeric powder from India since 2022. These businesses will be monitored closely to prevent further contamination.
Recall of Contaminated Products
Following the detection of Sudan I in the curry powder, the TFDA reported that approximately 40% of the total curry powder produced by Chiseng Hong Ltd. has already been recalled. Of the 5,253 boxes produced, 1,958 boxes have been retrieved from retail outlets across Taiwan’s nine counties and cities.
The TFDA has worked closely with local authorities to ensure that the affected products are withdrawn from store shelves.
Historical Context and Previous Incidents
This latest case of contamination follows a similar incident earlier this year, when Sudan III was found in chili powder imported from China. In light of these incidents, the TFDA had already enhanced border inspections for imported spices and sauces, beginning in March 2024.
However, the TFDA noted that turmeric powder was not previously included in the batch-by-batch inspection process. The discovery of Sudan I in the imported turmeric is a reminder of the ongoing risks posed by banned dyes in food products.
Health and Safety Concerns
Sudan I is a synthetic red dye commonly used in industrial products such as plastics, but it is prohibited for use in food due to its potential carcinogenic properties. The TFDA has reassured the public that the levels of Sudan I found in the tainted curry powder were below the maximum limit for human consumption. However, the presence of the dye still poses health risks over prolonged exposure, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
FAQs on Sudan Dye in Curry Powder
Q: What is Sudan I and why is it banned in food products?
A: Sudan I is a synthetic red dye used in industrial products such as plastics. It is banned in food because it is potentially carcinogenic and can pose health risks if ingested over time.
Q: How was Sudan I found in the curry powder?
A: During a routine inspection of Flying Horse Special Mix Curry Powder, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) detected Sudan I in the curry powder, which was traced back to contaminated turmeric powder imported from India.
Q: What measures are being taken by the TFDA?
A: The TFDA has implemented batch-by-batch inspections of all turmeric powder imported from India. Any contaminated products will be destroyed at the border. Additionally, businesses that have imported turmeric powder since 2022 will be subject to inspections.
Q: How much of the curry powder has been recalled?
A: 1,958 boxes of curry powder, approximately 40% of the total produced, have been recalled across nine counties and cities in Taiwan.
Q: What other food products have been tested for Sudan dye?
A: Since the earlier detection of Sudan III in chili powder imported from China, the TFDA has implemented enhanced inspections on a range of imported spices, including cumin, black pepper, and chili powder, ensuring none of these tested positive for Sudan dyes.
