Beijing's quality and technical supervision bureau announced on Wednesday that the carcinogenic additive, Sudan Red I, was discovered in bottled chilli oil produced by the Beijing Tianfu Food Co Ltd. A total of 640 boxes of the company's pepper products, including chilli oil and chilli sauce, have been identified and sealed.

Sample tests conducted by the bureau found traces of the dye from a batch of chili oil with a October 1, 2005 date of manufacture. The bureau ordered further tests of the company's products and found the dye in products dated as far back as August 17.

Investigations revealed that all 1,600 bottles of oil produced on October 1 were sold, mostly to self-employed vendors in northern Beijing's Changping Shuitun Market and Dazhongsi Market.

The company said raw peppers used in the oil production were purchased from the No. 49 stall at Dazhongsi wholesale market. A further investigation is being conducted on the pepper sources.

Beijing Tianfu mainly produces condiments such as sesame oil, sesame sauce and chilli oil.

Its chilli oil was first found to have contained Sudan I this March, but bureau officials declined to explain why the banned substance was found again.

The Food Safety Office under the Beijing municipal government issued an urgent notice on Wednesday evening banning Tianfu's chilli oil products from all stores, supermarkets and markets in the city. Customers who have bought any of their products can get refunds against valid receipts.

Sudan I is a red dye used for coloring solvents, oils, waxes, petrol, shoe and floor polishes. Sudan I cannot safely be used in food, as it can increase the risk of cancer.

(China Daily December 2, 2005)