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.

The law says a curry sauce may not contain more than 500 milligrams of artificial colouring per kilo.

West Yorkshire’s Chief Trading Standards Officer, Graham Hebblethwaite, said: “The FSA is asking food and drink manufacturers to phase out the use of these artificial colours, but the message does not appear to have been heeded by the takeaway curry trade.”

Mohammed Aslam, who manages a chain of curry houses, said many British curry fans did not realise how much colouring was being used.

He said: “It would be safe to say a lot have never seen an Indian-style kebab cooked without food colour.

“That's how they have been introduced to the food and they think that's how things are supposed to look.

“Indian cooking doesn’t need artificial colouring because you can create the colours you want with spices.

“We need to stop this practice for the sake of our industry.”

Spices which add colour are paprika (light orange), mustard (yellow), turmeric (yellow) and cumin (brown).

Clr Derrick Yates, who chairs West Yorkshire’s trading standards committee, said: “Using too much artificial colour is illegal. Those found to have been using too much could be prosecuted.” Clr Yates also urged members of the public to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 if necessary.