Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

——yeast extract, flavourings, flavouring enhancer E621, acidity regulator E262, rusk, citric acid E330, colours E160 and E100, and sweetener E954. That product, which contains many artificial flavourings, is consumed mostly by children. I am not casting any aspersions on the quality of that product. All I am saying is that given the number of products being brought into the market it is vital that the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children can ensure a safe foodchain.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland was notified on 18 February 2005 of various recalls affecting a large number of products contaminated with Sudan Red 1. Sudan Red 1, an industrial dye, has been banned as a food colorant throughout Europe since 2003 due to its cancer causing properties. The British authorities were notified of a potential problem by supplier Premier Foods on 7 February 2005.