Just because industrial dye Sudan was added to improve appearance, many batches of Vietnamese turmeric and chili powder have been rejected, and exporters face the risk of permanent bans. One act of fraud can cost the reputation of an entire industry.

In the race for agricultural export growth, Vietnam has achieved many impressive milestones. However, behind the positive figures lie “ticking time bombs” that can destabilize an entire industry due to a single act of misconduct. A typical example is the recent discovery of industrial dye Sudan in turmeric and chili powder exported to Taiwan—a market known for strict technical barriers.

Sudan: The “deadly red” that threatens the brand of Vietnamese agricultural products

Sudan dyes (I, II, III, IV) are reddish-orange coloring agents soluble in oil, previously used in the dyeing of grease, plastics, and rubber, but completely banned in food due to their carcinogenic properties, gene mutation risks, and endocrine-disrupting effects.

Driven by the belief that “the deeper the color, the more natural the product,” some producers in Vietnam have added Sudan to turmeric and chili powder to enhance appearance and attract consumers. This behavior not only endangers public health but also destroys the hard-earned reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets.

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) detected Sudan in multiple batches of imported turmeric and chili powder, including Vietnamese products. Under regulations, even a trace amount of banned substance leads to rejection, destruction, or return of the shipment. Exporters may also face permanent bans.

Taiwan now requires all imported turmeric and chili products to be accompanied by Sudan test reports, analysis methods, clear LOQ (Limit of Quantification), and the name of the testing lab. This demonstrates that it’s not just one company affected—Vietnam’s entire supply chain could be at risk.

According to Dr. Ngô Xuân Nam, Deputy Director of Vietnam’s SPS Office, discovering Sudan in products is a major blow to Vietnam’s efforts to enter strict international markets.

“Just one spoonful of this chemical can get a business eliminated from a market. The risk is not only the economic value of a shipment but also the credibility of an entire industry,” he warned.

The Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association also noted that despite a strong increase in chili exports in early 2024 (1,618 tons, worth USD 3.9 million), being placed on Taiwan’s watch list is a serious warning.

What direction should Vietnam’s spice and herbal industry take?

Vietnamese regulatory bodies have responded quickly. The SPS Office requested technical departments and industry associations to circulate TFDA’s warnings and instructed enterprises to regularly test for Sudan, ensuring strict quality control from raw materials to final products.

Additionally, Dr. Nam recommended that domestic consumers avoid unlabelled or unusually cheap products. Some simple at-home tests, such as mixing turmeric powder with water to check for an oily red layer, or wiping powder with tissue to see if abnormal stains appear, can help detect harmful substances.

Vietnam has a significant advantage in spice and herbal production, particularly turmeric and chili powder—both highly favored in Asia and Europe. However, to successfully penetrate high-end markets such as Taiwan, Japan, and the EU, there is no room for “instant noodle” thinking focused solely on short-term profit.

Businesses must shift from the mindset of “selling what we have” to “producing what the market needs,” where quality control is non-negotiable. Investing in traceability systems, establishing GAP-certified farming zones, and transparent product labeling will be essential for sustainable growth.

Sudan is not just a coloring agent—it is a test of ethics and responsibility across the entire agricultural value chain. In a world where trust is the most valuable asset, a single act of fraud can push businesses—and even entire industries—out of international markets.

If Vietnam wants to maintain its position in the global supply chain, it must decisively eliminate “Sudan stains” from its agricultural exports. This is not only the job of businesses, but a shared responsibility of the industry, the government, and every consumer.

Source: VnBusiness