Hot topic! Curry colouring is cause for concern

Oct 9 2008 by Hudd Student2, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

CONSUMER groups have called on West Yorkshire’s takeaways to tone down their curries.

A survey revealed that over a quarter of takeaways in the area are using illegally high levels of artificial colourings.

One was found to have used over five times the legal amount.

The survey was conducted by sampling the same curry, chicken tikka masala, at each takeaway.

Of those tested nearly all contained a cocktail of the colouring agents Tartazine (E102), Sunset Yellow (E110), Ponceau 4R (E124), Carmoisine (E122) and Allura Red (E129).

The Food Standards Agency has called for the colourings to be phased out, saying they are a potential cause of problems such as hyperactivity in children and skin rashes in adults.

Takeaways are not legally required to declare the amount of artificial colouring used in their food, unlike products bought in shops.