FOOD safety experts said people should avoid food contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan I because it's not safe. But panic is unnecessary.

"There are multiple causes leading to cancer, so it's irrational to say that the intake of the dye will eventually lead to cancer in human beings. The public need not panic over the issue even if they have eaten a lot of contaminated food," said Cai Meiqin, associate professor and director of the Department of Nutrition at the Shanghai Second Medical University.

Previous animal tests showed that the dye may increase the cancer risk in mice and rabbits, but this doesn't prove that it will eventually lead to cancer in human beings, experts say. In addition, the dosage of the dye used in animal test is much higher than the usual amount as a food additive.

Those who have eaten food containing the illegal dye should not be worried because the amount of the illegal dye in food is small.

Cai said: "The health hazard needs to be supported by the epidemioligical research over a long period, such as five to 10 years."

Early this month, Food Standards Agency Chief Executive Dr Jon Bell said, "Sudan I could contribute to an increased risk of cancer. However, at the levels present the risk is likely to be very small, but it is sensible to avoid eating any more. There is no risk of immediate ill health."

"There are a lot of things that have been proved to raise cancer risks such as tobacco, but many people still consume them," said Cai. "Compared with tobacco, the danger of Sudan I dye to humans is extremely slight."

Should we be worried

FOOD safety experts said people should avoid food contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan I because it's not safe. But panic is unnecessary.

"There are multiple causes leading to cancer, so it's irrational to say that the intake of the dye will eventually lead to cancer in human beings. The public need not panic over the issue even if they have eaten a lot of contaminated food," said Cai Meiqin, associate professor and director of the Department of Nutrition at the Shanghai Second Medical University.

Previous animal tests showed that the dye may increase the cancer risk in mice and rabbits, but this doesn't prove that it will eventually lead to cancer in human beings, experts say. In addition, the dosage of the dye used in animal test is much higher than the usual amount as a food additive.

Those who have eaten food containing the illegal dye should not be worried because the amount of the illegal dye in food is small.

Cai said: "The health hazard needs to be supported by the epidemioligical research over a long period, such as five to 10 years."

Early this month, Food Standards Agency Chief Executive Dr Jon Bell said, "Sudan I could contribute to an increased risk of cancer. However, at the levels present the risk is likely to be very small, but it is sensible to avoid eating any more. There is no risk of immediate ill health."

"There are a lot of things that have been proved to raise cancer risks such as tobacco, but many people still consume them," said Cai. "Compared with tobacco, the danger of Sudan I dye to humans is extremely slight."

Should we be worried

FOOD safety experts said people should avoid food contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan I because it's not safe. But panic is unnecessary.

"There are multiple causes leading to cancer, so it's irrational to say that the intake of the dye will eventually lead to cancer in human beings. The public need not panic over the issue even if they have eaten a lot of contaminated food," said Cai Meiqin, associate professor and director of the Department of Nutrition at the Shanghai Second Medical University.

Previous animal tests showed that the dye may increase the cancer risk in mice and rabbits, but this doesn't prove that it will eventually lead to cancer in human beings, experts say. In addition, the dosage of the dye used in animal test is much higher than the usual amount as a food additive.

Those who have eaten food containing the illegal dye should not be worried because the amount of the illegal dye in food is small.

Cai said: "The health hazard needs to be supported by the epidemioligical research over a long period, such as five to 10 years."

Early this month, Food Standards Agency Chief Executive Dr Jon Bell said, "Sudan I could contribute to an increased risk of cancer. However, at the levels present the risk is likely to be very small, but it is sensible to avoid eating any more. There is no risk of immediate ill health."

"There are a lot of things that have been proved to raise cancer risks such as tobacco, but many people still consume them," said Cai. "Compared with tobacco, the danger of Sudan I dye to humans is extremely slight."

Should we be worried

FOOD safety experts said people should avoid food contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan I because it's not safe. But panic is unnecessary.

"There are multiple causes leading to cancer, so it's irrational to say that the intake of the dye will eventually lead to cancer in human beings. The public need not panic over the issue even if they have eaten a lot of contaminated food," said Cai Meiqin, associate professor and director of the Department of Nutrition at the Shanghai Second Medical University.

Previous animal tests showed that the dye may increase the cancer risk in mice and rabbits, but this doesn't prove that it will eventually lead to cancer in human beings, experts say. In addition, the dosage of the dye used in animal test is much higher than the usual amount as a food additive.

Those who have eaten food containing the illegal dye should not be worried because the amount of the illegal dye in food is small.

Cai said: "The health hazard needs to be supported by the epidemioligical research over a long period, such as five to 10 years."

Early this month, Food Standards Agency Chief Executive Dr Jon Bell said, "Sudan I could contribute to an increased risk of cancer. However, at the levels present the risk is likely to be very small, but it is sensible to avoid eating any more. There is no risk of immediate ill health."

"There are a lot of things that have been proved to raise cancer risks such as tobacco, but many people still consume them," said Cai. "Compared with tobacco, the danger of Sudan I dye to humans is extremely slight."

FOOD safety experts said people should avoid food contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan I because it’s not safe. But panic is unnecessary.

“There are multiple causes leading to cancer, so it’s irrational to say that the intake of the dye will eventually lead to cancer in human beings. The public need not panic over the issue even if they have eaten a lot of contaminated food,?said Cai Meiqin, associate professor and director of the Department of Nutrition at the Shanghai Second Medical University.

Previous animal tests showed that the dye may increase the cancer risk in mice and rabbits, but this doesn’t prove that it will eventually lead to cancer in human beings, experts say. In addition, the dosage of the dye used in animal test is much higher than the usual amount as a food additive.

Those who have eaten food containing the illegal dye should not be worried because the amount of the illegal dye in food is small.

Cai said: “The health hazard needs to be supported by the epidemioligical research over a long period, such as five to 10 years.? Early this month, Food Standards Agency Chief Executive Dr Jon Bell said, “Sudan I could contribute to an increased risk of cancer. However, at the levels present the risk is likely to be very small, but it is sensible to avoid eating any more. There is no risk of immediate ill health.? “There are a lot of things that have been proved to raise cancer risks such as tobacco, but many people still consume them,?said Cai. “Compared with tobacco, the danger of Sudan I dye to humans is extremely slight.?