A batch of sauce manufactured in Great Britain has been contaminated with a dye that is a known carcinogen according to Britain's Food Standards Agency.

The dye, known as Sudan I, was used in hundreds of different foods and exported to North America, the Caribbean and several European nations as well. Countries affected include The United States, Greece, Switzerland, Ireland, France, Denmark, Granada, Italy, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Antigua, Holland, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus and Canada.

British authorities issued a warning about the red dye but tried to emphasize that the risk was not great. 'Sudan I could contribute to an increased risk of cancer,' said Jon Bell, chief executive of the BFSA. 'At the levels present the risk is likely to be very small, but it is sensible to avoid eating any more.'

The law in Britain states that all chili powder imported into the country had to be free of Sudan I by July 2003. The contaminated batch was found in a bottle of Worcestershire sauce that was produced by Premier Foods and sent to be sold in Italy.

Bell told the Associated Press that it is very possible that more contaminated products would be found in the near future. 'We will continue to take action to remove these and minimize the risks to consumers,' he said.

In the meantime, consumers should be careful about the products that they feed their family.