A snap-shot survey has revealed that 43% of chicken tikka masala curries in the Borough contain more than the maximum permitted levels of food colouring. The food colourings that were found have been linked to hyperactivity in children and adverse symptoms in asthmatics. Food safety officers from Bromley Council, who carried out the survey, are encouraging members of the public to ask their favourite restaurant or take-away to cook their curries without any added food colouring.
Paul Lehane, Team Leader, said “Curry lovers need not be alarmed about the levels of colouring as we have already taken action. We know that some restaurants have a tendency to be over generous with food colouring in their curry dishes. Consumers can play their part by raising the issue when they order their food. The taste of a curry is important - not the colour. For our part, we will continue monitoring curry restaurants and will take further action if necessary.”
Expert advice from the food safety team cautions against using high levels of dye and they are working with food businesses to ensure they understand the need to be careful about the addition of artificial additives. Many restaurants are now offering food without additives, such as artificial colouring or the flavour enhancer, monosodium glutamate, because some people are sensitive to these ingredients.
The team were pleased to say that no Sudan dye was present in any of the curries that they sampled. Sudan is the illegal food dye found in some products containing chilli powder.
A subsequent survey is being planned for the near future to ensure that food colouring levels fall within the maximum permitted limits. Consumers who have genuine concerns about restaurants or take-aways can call the food safety team on 020 8313 4830 or go to the website www.bromley.gov.uk .
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- food colours found in the curries were Ponceau Red (E124), Sunset Yellow (E110) and Tartrazine (E102);
- all these colours have been linked to hyperactivity in children and adverse symptoms in asthmatics;
- Sudan I - IV and Para Red are dyes that are banned for use in foodstuffs because they are believed to be carcinogenic. They have been found in chilli powder, paprika and Palm Oil;
- the snap-shot survey was carried out in March 2005 and included informal samples from 20% of the 70 curry restaurants and take-aways across the Borough. Action has been taken against individual restaurants to bring levels of colouring below permitted limits. The results of the survey are confidential due to the possibility of on going legal proceedings.
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers on 020 8461 7670 or Rosemary Fordham on 020 8313 4678 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.