Press Release: Commission extends Sudan dye measures and reminds food operators of their responsibilities

The European Commission on 4 April 2005 decided to extend controls for Sudan dyes to include imports of curcuma and virgin palm oil as well as chilli and chilli products, and published a new leaflet to remind food and feed operators of their responsibilities for food safety. Member States endorsed a Commission proposal to add curcuma and virgin palm oil to the list of food products which had to be certified as free of Sudan dyes (Sudan I, II, III and Scarlet Red/Sudan IV), in order to be imported into the EU (see MEX/04/0121). The new Commission leaflet outlined the key obligations of food and feed operators when it comes to food safety.