Georgia’s National Food Agency screened 50 food samples from retail outlets across the country for banned Sudan-group azo dyes. Only one product failed the check: Svan salt made by LLC NTK 2016 in the village of Kveda Kvirike, Kobuleti municipality.
What the lab found
Laboratory testing detected the prohibited colourants Sudan I and Sudan IV in that batch. The agency listed the production date as 2 February 2026 and a minimum durability date through 2 February 2027.
Sudan I, II, III and IV, together with Sudan Orange G, Sudan Red G, Sudan Red 7B and Sudan Red B, are artificial azo dyes that are not authorised food additives and are banned in food products.
Sale stopped and recall under way
After the finding, the company was barred from selling the Svan salt, and stock already on the market is being withdrawn and recalled under agency supervision. Officials urge anyone who bought the product not to consume it.
Deputy head of the agency Vasil Kvernadze said detections of banned dyes in food have fallen year by year as controls tighten both inside Georgia and at the border. In 2026 the agency plans to test a further 177 samples for Sudan-group dyes.
