New Test for Sudan 1

Scientists at Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) have developed a new method for detecting Sudan 1 contamination in a range of food matrices. The technique of LC-MS (liquid chromatography mass spectrometry) is ten times more sensitive than the HPLC methods traditionally used for Sudan 1 analysis. Both methods are available from RSSL.

The LC-MS method will detect Sudan 1 at concentrations of 100 parts per billion, whereas the HPLC method has a detection limit of 1 part per million. Results from the LC-MS method are usually available within standard turnaround times of 5 days, but a more rapid answer is possible through RSSL's Emergency Response Service. The ERS is a service giving priority analysis to member companies at times of product crisis.

"The latest recall brought a flood of enquiries to RSSL," says Iain Gadsby, "not just for analysis, but also for information. Although the HPLC method has been able to detect contamination in the chilli powder, it may not have been sensitive enough to detect it in processed products, so the development of a more sensitive method is important for keeping a check on any further problems with Sudan 1."