Sudan Dyes Testing

The group of color additives known as Sudan Dyes (e.g. Sudan I through IV) consists of a number of red colorants. This group, together with other dyes such as Para Red, are synthetically produced azo dyes. Because their degradation products are considered to be carcinogens and teratogens, the EU and the U.S. do not permit the use of these colorants as food additives. However, in some countries, these dyes are still occasionally used to intensify the color of bell peppers and chili powders.

Shiva Analyticals is equipped for testing more than 17 different Sudan Dyes in Spices and Condiments up to a level of 0.25 mg/kg (ppm) levels which is much lower than the permitted MRL as per the International norms.

The red dyes Sudan I, II, III, and IV are oil-soluble azo dyes used legally in the leather and fabric industries. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization, has assessed the Sudan dyes as Group 3 genotoxic carcinogens. The industrial dye Para Red is chemically similar to Sudan I and is also a dye not permitted for use in food. The EU issued Decision 2003/460/EC requiring as a condition of import that all hot chili and hot chili products be tested for Sudan I. The Decision was amended in January of 2004 (2004/92/EC) to include Sudan II, III, and IV. This requirement remains in effect. The highly selective and sensitive triple quadrupole (QQQ) is used to meet the testing requirement.

Please contact us at info@shivaanalyticals.com and our team of experts shall be happy to assist you with the testing of Sudan Dyes in Spices and Condiments.