Red-dye deposits not a health hazard

Reply from Mindef, Straits Times Forum 18 Dec 07;

I REFER to the letter, 'Wanted: Answers to Red Dye saga' (ST, Dec 12).

On Nov 23, the Republic of Singapore Air Force conducted a ground-trial which involved producing red smoke from one of its stationary aircraft at Tengah Airbase. This was in preparation for a forthcoming aerobatics display. The dye used to produce the smoke is a standard dye used in aerobatics displays.

Investigations were conducted in the surrounding areas by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA). Six vegetable farms located in the Sungei Tengah Agrotechnology Park were affected by red-dye deposits.

As the red dye is not an approved dye for use in food, the vegetables in the six farms were destroyed as a precautionary measure. Mindef and AVA have addressed farm owners' concerns and the farms have resumed operations.

The National Environment Agency and PUB, the national water agency, have tested the soil and water at the Kranji area and have concluded that both are safe and do not pose a health hazard.

Independent tests by the Inspectorate (Singapore) Pte Ltd and DSO National Laboratories on the red-dye deposits confirm that the deposits are not harmful. Medical professionals from the National University of Singapore have also confirmed that the deposits will not cause adverse health effects.

Mindef will continue to work with the public to render any assistance. Members of the public with further queries can call us on 1800- 760-8844.

Col Darius Lim
Director, Public Affairs
Mindef

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