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Listen to this siteFriday 22 May 2009
Food Alert: for Action
Ref: 17/2009
Heads of Environmental Health Services and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware that Alif Foods ‘Mix Bisar’ spice mix has been found to be contaminated with non permitted colour 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 ‘Mix Bisar’ is imported into the United Kingdom by Alif Foods and is manufactured and exported by Euro Traders in Pakistan. Despite enquiries by West Yorkshire Trading Standards, we have been unable to establish distribution details. It is believed distribution may be mainly in the Bradford area where wholesalers and retailers who sell ethnic food products are the main clients. However, there could be distribution to other areas, especially in the North of England.
Product: Mix Bisar
Description: Orange brown powder
Quantity: 800g in plastic bags
Labelling: White paper label with the details of Alif Foods and Euro Traders as above
Packing date: March 2008
Expiry date: Feb 2010
Actions to be taken by local authorities:
This product does not comply with the food safety requirements specified in the EU Regulations 178/2002, implemented in the General Food Regulations 2004, due to contamination with Sudan I.
As this product poses a risk to human health and given the uncertainty of distribution, local authorities are requested to visit or make contact with ethnic food suppliers in their area likely to stock this product.
If this product imported by Alif Foods is found to be on the premises, officers should:
If local authorities find any other packing or date codes of this product, they should sample the products formally in accordance with the appropriate legislation for Sudan I for official control purposes and notify the Agency of any positive results. Local Authorities should also ensure appropriate enforcement action is taken.
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