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Category C: For action as deemed necessary
Ref: (England) 54/2003 (Update 2) (Scotland) C 54 Update 2/2003
Food authorities were advised in Food Hazard Warning 54/2003 and 54/2003 Update 1 of Sudan I contamination of Laziza International Spice Mixes and Pastes (various varieties, date codes and lot numbers)
Heads of environmental health and directors of trading standards will wish to be aware that since that time further sampling of Laziza International Tandoori Masala Spice Mix has shown it to be contaminated with Sudan I and Sudan IV.
Sudan I and Sudan IV are not permitted colours under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995. They are considered to be genotoxic carcinogens and their 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.
There are two importers/distributors in England:
Although only certain date codes and lot numbers of the affected product have tested positive for Sudan I and Sudan IV the manufacturer is withdrawing all date codes and lot numbers of the affected product.
The product affected is:
Laziza International Brand Tandoori BBQ Masala Spice Mix 100g
Identification of the product:
The Laziza International Brand Tandoori BBQ Masala Spice Mix is sold in cardboard cartons (100g).
The front of the carton shows meat in sauce at the top.
There is an orange/red strip across the centre of the front of the carton with the words 'with Garlic/Ginger' in white lettering to the right and 100 in green lettering and Grams in black lettering to the left. Below this strip is the Laziza International logo in white lettering on a red background.
The words Tandoori/BBQ, Masala and (Spice Mix) are printed across the bottom of the front of the carton in black lettering.
The rear of the carton has a predominantly white background with a recipe in English in black lettering on the bottom half and the same recipe in Arabic in black lettering on the top half.
The Laziza International logo is again displayed on the rear of the carton.
The words Purity, Quality & Taste since 1985 are printed across the bottom of the rear of the carton in white lettering on a red background.
The ingredients are printed in the side of the carton and the lot codes and best before dates are printed in black lettering on the base of the carton.
To assist local authorities in correct identification of this product pictures can be viewed on the FSA website from the links below.
Actions 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 and Sudan IV. In addition Sudan I and Sudan IV are not permitted colours.
Although the company is undertaking a trade withdrawal, there remains the possibility that some of the affected product may still be on sale in retail outlets or remain in the catering trade.
If any of this product is found in their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act.
As the company has not issued any press release or point of sale notices there remains the possibility that unused affected product is in consumers' homes.
Local authorities are therefore asked to consider providing local publicity on this issue at the next available opportunity. For that purpose they may wish to refer to the Food Standards Agency's previous press releases which can be found on the website as a guide for any local news release.
It is essential that all local authorities liaise at county level to ensure that they co-ordinate their actions.
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