A HERBS and spices plant in Halton is at the centre of a fresh food scandal, after importing a cancer dye detected in supermarket foods.

The latest alert was raised by food officials after they were informed food products have been made with a spice containing the banned substance Para Red.

It was announced on Monday 66 goods thought to contain Para Red have now been recalled from sale.

The illegal dye was brought into the UK and supplied to five companies by Lion Foods, based at the Astmoor Industrial Estate in Runcorn.

Authorities across the country believe both carcinogenic food dyes Para Red and Sudan 1 may have been used to colour cayenne pepper and turmeric in a number of foods.

It comes after their discovery in chilli powder and paprika on sale in Britain.

In light of these latest findings, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has ordered stringent tests to be carried out on every single spice that is imported into this country. The move is likely to empty the shelves of top supermarket chains.

Lion Foods was unavailable for comment. However, a spokeswoman for Halton Borough Council said closer checks will be made on all future imports.

She said: 'Halton council will be working with Lion Foods in Runcorn and the Food Standards Agency to ensure all future imports of dried spices are free of the dye Para Red.

'Checks have previously been made by Lion Foods and the council for illegal dyes such as Sudan 1.

'The dye Para Red had not previously been considered as a contaminant of foodstuffs, however Halton council will ensure the recall of any contaminated products likely to be on sale in Halton is effective.'

Dr Andrew Wadge, the agency's director of food safety, added: 'At the levels being found the risk is likely to be very small indeed, but it is right that food businesses are removing these products from sale.'

Lion Foods has already sent further samples of spices to an independent UK laboratory for testing.

At this stage it is not thought the affected products will have been widely distributed in Halton, but the full list is available to consumers on www.food.gov.uk