SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE Council has swung into action following shock revelations that certain foods sold in supermarkets have been contaminated with a life-threatening dye.

The council's food and health team is contacting food retailers across the district to ensure any foods that have been inadvertently contaminated with illegal dye, Sudan 1, are removed from sale.

The dye which is used for colouring solvents, oils, waxes, petrol, and shoe and floor polishes and can cause cancer.

However, Sudan 1 was found in a batch of chilli powder used by Premier Foods to manufacture a Worcester sauce, which was then used as an ingredient in a wide range of products.

WeightWatchers shepherd's pies, Beef and Tomato Pot Noodles as well as McDonalds barbecue sauce are just a few products affected.

Diane Lloyd, senior environmental health officer for South Gloucestershire Council, said: "If people have any at home they are advised not eat them and to contact the store they bought them from for a refund. If you are a retailer and have the affected products on sale, you are asked to return them to your supplier."

At least 350 food products are currently known to be affected. A comprehensive list can be found at www.food.gov.uk/sudanlist and will be updated as further information becomes available. Alternatively call 01454 863557.

A spokesman for Morrisons, in Yate said: "Following advice from the Food Standards Agency, Morrisons is recalling a number of products which may contain traces of Sudan 1, a colorant which is not permitted in food.

Morrisons and Safeway have already withdrawn the product from sale.

"Customers who have bought any of the affected products with a date code on or before the date code indicated should not eat them. Affected products should be returned to the nearest Morrisons or Safeway store for a full refund. No receipt is required.

"Morrisons apologises for any inconvenience this may cause, and we assure customers of our commitment to the highest standards of product safety and quality."

At the Tesco supermarket in Yate, a spokesman said: "We are co-operating fully with the FSA and have as a precaution removed the affected products from our shelves.

"The FSA has advised that there is no risk of immediate ill health but any customers who are concerned can return products to us for a full refund." There was no one available to comment on the situation at Tesco in Thornbury.