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Listen to this siteFriday 10 December 2004
Food Alert: for Action
Ref: 54/2003 (Update 3)
Food Hazard Warning 54/2003 and Updates 1 and 2 of Sudan I advised of contamination of Laziza International spice mixes and pastes (various varieties, date codes and lot numbers)
Since that time further sampling of Laziza International tandoori paste has shown it to be contaminated with Sudan I.
Sudan I is not a permitted colour under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995. It is considered to be a genotoxic carcinogen and its presence, at any level, is not permitted in foodstuffs for any purpose.
The affected product was imported from Pakistan where it is manufactured by Convenience Food Industries (Pvt) Ltd. The importer/distributor in England is Opulent Foods Co Ltd. (also trading as Z & G Ltd.) Alpine House, Unit 2, Honeypot Lane, London NW9 2RX which has undertaken a Trade Withdrawal.
A distribution list supplied by the distributor has been made available to enforcement officers via the EHCNet and TS Interlink systems.
Product affected
Laziza International brand tandoori paste 330g jar, lot number 1811020, 'best before' September 2005.
Identification of the product
The Laziza International tandoori paste is sold in 330g glass jars.
The Laziza International logo is on top of the lid in white lettering on a red background.
The lot number and 'best before' date are also embossed on the lid.
The lid has a red border with white lettering.
The front label on the jar has the Laziza International logo in the centre in white lettering on a red background.
There is an image of a meat dish at the top of the label.
The product description Tandoori is in brown lettering beneath the logo.
The word Paste is in white lettering on a red background to the right of the logo and the words Home Made are in white lettering on a red background to the left of the logo.
The rear label has a recipe in brown lettering on a white background.
The bottom border of the labels has the words Purity, Quality and Taste since 1985 in white lettering on an orange background.
To assist local authorities on correct identification of this product a picture can be viewed from the link at the foot of this page.
Action to be taken by local authorities
This product presents a health risk if consumed in sufficient quantity, and does not comply with the food safety requirements specified in the Food Safety Act 1990 due to contamination with Sudan I. In addition, Sudan I is a not permitted colour.
Although Opulent Foods Co Ltd. has undertaken a trade withdrawal there remains the possibility that some of the affected product may still be on sale in retail outlets or remain within the catering trade.
Enforcement officers should contact the premises in their area that are named on the distribution list. If any of this product is found they should ensure that it is removed from sale and destroyed, if necessary using powers under the Food Safety Act 1990.
Local authorities that do not have premises named on the distribution list should be aware of the affected product and take appropriate action should they find it within their area during routine inspections.
It is essential that all local authorities liaise at county level to ensure that they co-ordinate their actions.
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