China will strengthen the screening process for food containing cancer-causing Sudan I in the production and circulation areas, said the State Administration for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) here Friday.

China uncovered cancer-causing colorant, Sudan I, in a pepper sauce brand, Meiweiyuan, produced by the Guangzhou-based Heinz Meiweiyuan Food Co. Ltd., in an inspection recently, said the statequality watchdog.

All the Meiweiyuan pepper sauce products in China must be removed from the shelves, said AQSIQ in a circular, Friday. AQSIQ required the company to stop producing the pepper sauce products immediately and recall its products.

The agency also asked local inspectors to check domestic restaurants and cafeterias to ensure their seasonings don't include the Meiweiyuan pepper sauce products.

AQSIQ has instructed boarder inspectors to strengthen the food supervision and continue screening foods from the European Union.

Sudan-I is a red dye used for coloring solvents, oils, waxes, petrol and shoe and floor polishes. It cannot safely be used in food, as it can contribute to an increased risk of cancer.

The dye was found by the Food Standards Agency of Britain on Feb.18 in a batch of chili powder made by Premier Foods, one of the largest food and beverage companies in the UK. The agency also found some products of other companies, including Schweppes, Coca Cola, Unilever and Heinz, to contain Sudan-I.

China banned imports of any foods containing the carcinogenic substance on February 23.

Source: Xinhua