Recalls will not be triggered in future unless the level of Sudan 1 found in any product exceeds 0.5ppm, under the terms of a UK-backed deal thrashed out by the European Union.

Member states agreed unanimously at a meeting to implement the action limit - although it cannot be enshrined in European law because legal limits can be set only for products of animal origin.

Researchers found that laboratory tests could reliably detect and quantify a range of dyes - including Sudan 1 - in spices at levels of 0.5ppm.

In advice issued to the food industry, the Food Standards Agency said: "The adoption of this action limit will allow effective functioning of the market in spices and other food ingredients, while ensuring strong consumer protection.

"The Commission will

be informing relevant European trade associations of the decision, and requesting further information on the results of any monitoring done by manufacturers."