The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued a warning that an illegal food colourant that can cause cancer, has found its way into the Irish market from Britain.
Consumers have been warned that 39 food products ranging from pizza to pasta sauce have been contaminated with Sudan Red 1 food colourant which has been linked with cancer.
Premier Foods (UK) was found to have distributed the industrial dye to six manufacturers in Ireland, of which five distribute products in the country.
In addition, 350 products were affected in the UK and it was unknown how many of them were available in Ireland, the FSAI said.
Dr John O'Brien, chief executive of the FSAI said: "While the colourant Sudan Red 1 has been found to have carcinogenic properties, it would have to be consumed over a long period of time in order to pose a significant health risks.
"Nonetheless, it is very important that all manufacturers, retailers and consumers follow the advice being issued by the Authority in order to ensure that there is no further consumption of the affected products in Ireland."
Details of the affected products are listed on the FSAI website on www.fsai.ie.