In 2005, a major food scandal erupted in the UK when it was discovered that Sudan Red, a carcinogenic industrial dye, had been used to color chili powder and other food products. The scandal led to widespread product recalls and highlighted the vulnerability of the global food supply chain. Sudan Red was illegal for use in food, but had been imported in contaminated products.

The Sudan Red scandal was a major news story and was referenced in contemporary poetry and satire, reflecting public anxieties about food safety and the reliability of food labels. The incident also inspired a wave of investigative journalism and food writing, as writers sought to expose the hidden dangers of the modern food industry.