Food Standards Agency
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Food Alert: for Action
Ref: 56/2004 (England): 58/2004 (Scotland)
Royal brand Palm Oil has been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan IV. So far, the following size of the Royal brand Palm Oil, known to be contaminated is:
Royal Palm Oil
- 1l 'best before' 09/07
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:
Ghana UK Trade Ventures Ltd.
PO Box CT 4763
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 African-Caribbean food products are the main clients.
Identification of the product
The product is sold in a clear plastic 1 litre bottle with a white 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.
Each bottle bears a two-coloured paper label. The top of the label is yellow and has the words �Zomi� and �Royal� written in black letters. The bottom half of the label is red and there is a picture of a crown and the words �Palm Oil� written in black text. Underneath this, there are the words �Pure palm oil� in white lettering, followed by the size �1 litre� written in black lettering.
To assist local authorities in 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
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If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act.
It is essential that all non-unitary authorities liaise at county level to ensure that they co-ordinate their actions.
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