A RENEWED warning has been issued about products containing chilli powder contaminated with industrial dye.

Environmental health officers have been told to help trading standards make sure certain Rajah brand products containing an illegal, cancer-causing dye called Sudan I are not being sold in the area.

The powder was imported from India and used in products produced under the Rajah brand, popular in East Lancashire particularly in the Asia community. People are urged to check their kitchen cupboards.

Sudan I is banned under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995 because it is a known carcinogenic when eaten in very large amounts.

The Food Standards Agency has upgraded its warning on the products from category C to B after concerns the contaminated product was still on sale.

Reports have been received which indicate that affected products remain available in some local shops and local authorities have been asked to work harder to make sure they are withdrawn.

Lancashire's trading standards chief Jim Potts said his officers had been contacting all traders.

He said: "We have not found any retailers selling the contaminated product but it is such a popular brand it's a massive job. Another danger is the fact that some of these products may be in people's kitchens so I would warn everyone to check their cupboards.

"The only danger comes from when these products are eaten in very large amounts but Sudan I is a banned dye usually used in floor and shoe polish and should be avoided at any cost."

The FSA has instructed councils to visit or make contact with food premises likely to stock Rajah brand products.

A spokesman said: "Enforcement action would normally rest with trading standards authorities, however, environmental health departments are asked to assist to ensure that products are withdrawn from sale.

"It is essential that all local authorities liaise at county level to ensure that they co-ordinate their actions."