Contamination of Johnson & Jamaica brand of Mr Browns and Shads seasonings with Sudan I dye

Heads of Environmental Health Services and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware that Johnson and Jamaica Brand of Mr Browns and Shads Seasonings have been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, 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.

This product has been on sale in numerous small retail outlets throughout the Birmingham area.

The Company commenced a trade withdrawal on 2nd September 2003 of all the affected product which has the following specification and codes;

Shads Fish and Meat Seasoning 400g Container - BBE MAR 2005
Shads Fish and Meat Seasoning 450g Packet - BBE FEB 2005
Mr Browns original Jamaican Style Fish and Meat Curry Seasoning 150g Packet - BBE MAR 2005

No other Johnson and Jamaica products are known to be affected.

Identification of the product.

Shads Fish and Meat Seasoning is packed into both a 400g container and a 450g sachet. The container is opaque plastic with a red screw on lid and the sachet is clear cellophane which is heat sealed at each end. Both products have the same label picturing a cockerel between two palm trees at the top, the word Shads in the centre and a plate of various meats at the bottom.

Mr Brown’s Fish and Meat Curry Seasoning is packed into a 150g plastic sachet that is heat sealed at both ends. The label has a yellow background, with a green,black and yellow flag emblem at the top and bottom and a clear product viewing window in the centre.

To assist Local Authorities in correct identification of these products, pictures are attached at the links below.

Actions 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 I. In addition Sudan I is not a permitted colour.

It is believed that the on going trade withdrawal is being effective however it is likely that some of the affected products may still be on sale. If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act.

Because the company have not issued any press release or point of sale notices in retail outlets there remains the possibility that unused affected product is in consumers homes.

Local Authorities are therefore asked, to consider providing local publicity at the next available opportunity to this issue. For that purpose Local Authorities may wish to refer to the Food Standards Agency's press release which can be found at the link below as a guide as to what to say in any local news release.