Food Standards Agency
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Food Alert: for Action
Ref: 51/2004 (England): 52/2004 (Scotland)
All Natural Pure Palm Oil (Ngopa), has been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan IV. So far, the following sizes of All Natural Palm Oil, pure palm oil (Ngopa) are known to be contaminated:
All Natural Palm Oil, Pure Palm Oil (Ngopa) 720ml 'best before' 2009
All Natural Palm Oil, Pure Palm Oil (Ngopa) 0.5l 'best before' 2009
Sudan IV 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 manufactured in Ghana by:
Graotu Co Ltd,
Accra,
Ghana
The Agency has no details of the UK importer, or distribution outlets. This product appears to be distributed through direct van sales, where retailers who sell African or Afro-Caribbean food products, are the main clients.
Identification of the product
The Agency is currently aware of two sizes. The 720ml is a clear plastic bottle, with a white screw top lid, and the 0.5l is an opaque plastic bottle, with a blue screw top cap. However, other sizes or batch codes of this product may exist. If local authorities find any other sizes / batches they should sample the products, and notify the Agency of any positive results.
Local authorities should also ensure appropriate enforcement action is taken.
The bottles bear an orange label, with a picture of a palm tree bearing palm fruit on the left-hand side of the label. The words 'All Natural' are printed in green text, and 'Palm Oil, Pure Palm Oil (Ngopa)' printed in red lettering. Towards the bottom of the label the words 'Packed & Distributed by Graotu Co Ltd' are followed by several telephone numbers in black text.
To assist local authorities in correct identification of these products, a picture of each can be viewed from the links at the foot of this page.
Action to be taken by local authorities
The 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 IV. In addition, Sudan IV is not a permitted colour.
If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act 1990.
It is essential that all non-unitary authorities liaise at county level to ensure that they co-ordinate their actions.
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