The aim of the focus action was to investigate foodstuffs that are particularly affected by coloring with synthetically produced dyes such as Sudan I to IV, Sudan Red B, Sudan Red G, Sudan Orange G and Sudan Red VII B, Sudan Black B as well as the dyes Butter Yellow, Pararot, Rhodamine B and Orange II. The above-mentioned dyes pose a risk to the health of consumers due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties.

45 samples from all over Austria were examined:

• prohibited dyes could not be detected in any of the samples examined
• at the request of the food supervisory authority, one sample was additionally tested for labeling and objected to.