阅读理解。
Ever since news of widespread food recalls caused by a carcinogenic dye (颜料) broke, there has been
confusion over possible links to the country of the same name, but Sudan officials say there is no connection
whatever.
Sudan 1 is a red industrial dye that has been found in some chilli powder, but was banned in food products
across the European Union (EU) in July 2003. Since the ban was put in place, EU officials have been striving
to remove some food products from the shelves. So far 580 products have been recalled. Last week Sudan's
Embassy in the United Kingdom asked the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for clarification of the origin of the
dye's name.
Omaima Mahmoud Al Sharief, a press official at Sudan's Embassy in China, explained the purpose of the
inquiry was to clear up any misunderstanding over links between the country and the poisonous dye.
"We want to keep an eye on every detail and avoid any misunderstanding there," she said."Our embassy
to Britain asked them how the dye got that name and whether the dye had something to do with our country.
But they told us there was no relationship."
The FSA, an independent food security watchdog in Britain, received a letter from the Sudanese embassy
last week.
"They asked us why the dye is named Sudan, however, we also do not know how it got the name," she
said. "People found the dye in 1883 and gave it the name. Nobody knows the reason, and we cannot give any
explanation before we find out."
Sudan dyes, which include Sudan 1 to 4, are red dyes used for colouring solvents (溶剂), oils, waxes,
petrol, and shoe and floor polishes. They are classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for
Research on Cancer.
1. What does the underlined word mean in paragraph one?
A. Causing cancer.
B. Having side effect.
C. Containing poison.
D. Poisonous.
2. How did the Sudan 1 get its name?
A. The dye is often produced in Sudan.
B. The dye has something to do with the country named Sudan.
C. Nobody is sure of the origin of the name.
D. Many foods produced in Sudan contain the dye.
3. We can infer from the passage that _____.
A. the Sudan government is paying much attention to the food safety
B. Sudan 1 is often used to be added to the food
C. people didn't realize the danger of Sudan 1 until 2003
D. many food shops will be closed down
4. Which of the following is the best title?
A. Keep away from Sudan 1
B. No Sudan 1 dye links to the country
C. How Sudan 1 dye got its name?
D. Pay attention to the food safety
