This critical review of detection methods and global surveillance data ((GBP £48 purchase required) reveals persistent contamination of chilli-based products and edible oils, with marked geographic heterogeneity in prevalence rates and concentration ranges spanning seven orders of magnitude – from trace-level cross-contamination to gross adulteration at g/kg levels. Notably, the detection of Sudan dye variants beyond the classical Sudan I–IV series, including Sudan Red B, Sudan Yellow, and Sudan Black B, indicates evolving adulterant selection by fraudsters responding to enhanced regulatory surveillance.
The review identifies critical knowledge gaps and proposes future directions encompassing expanded analytical target panels, enhanced non-targeted screening capabilities, and field-deployable technologies to strengthen food supply chain integrity.
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