Sudan dyes

In 2005, the Sudan dyes crisis developed rapidly in the United Kingdom when one product recall came after the other as a result of the determination of Sudan dyes in amongst others raw materials derived from red peppers. An analytical method was developed to identify and quantify a broad range of forbidden dyes in various complex matrices by employees now working for DUCARES, in close cooperation with the Emergency Response Service of TNO Quality of Life (http://www.tno.nl/content.cfm...).

At the request of a large number of clients, sample analyses were targeted at low concentration levels of the dyes in order to ensure maximum product safety.

In a period of several months many thousands of samples have been analysed in shifts and various counter analyses have been conducted. Partly due to these efforts, the routes of contamination in the production chain could be elucidated. Finally, targeted controls confirmed the effectiveness of the measures taken to avoid any further spreading.

This example clearly illustrates that the analytical possibilities and expertise of DUCARES, in combination with a flexible way-of-working for its customers successfully contribute to identifying and solving emerging issues.