A five-minute primer on an issue making headlines
Eggs containing the banned Sudan Red dye were found in Hong Kong last week, causing anger after health officials had initially said such eggs had not been imported.
What exactly are Sudan Red dyes?
They are dyes used to colour oil, wax, shoe and floor polish, and petrol, among other things. There are four Sudan dyes called, Sudan I, II, III and IV (also known as Scarlet Red). In lab tests on animals, they have been found to cause cancer and are banned in foodstuffs.
Are eggs with Sudan dye available in Hong Kong or not?
Officials initially said they were not, but late on Tuesday the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau admitted 1,000 mainland duck eggs possibly tainted with the dye had been sold in the city. In all, seven egg samples have been found to be contaminated with Sudan Red.
So is it safe to whip up an omelette or not?