Update on Jumbo Palm Oil

Food Hazard Warning 38/2004 advised of contamination of Jumbo Zomi Palm Oil and Tropical Sun Zomi Palm Oil with Sudan IV dye.

Subsequently Jumbo UK Ltd Palm Oil has been found to have originated from the same contaminated batch of palm oil as those previously notified.

The affected product was manufactured in Ghana by Kokwe Farms Ltd, PO Box 15849, Accra, North Ghana and was imported by Jumbo UK Ltd, Unit 4A, Golden House, Waterden Road, London E15 2EE.

Most of the product has been sold directly to the public from Jumbo UK Ltd. through their retail outlets but they have also distributed it to cash and carry stores and retail outlets in England. The product has not been distributed to or within Scotland.

Products affected
Jumbo UK Ltd Palm Oil 1 litre best before Dec 2005
Jumbo UK Ltd Palm Oil 2 litre best before Dec 2005

Identification of the product
1. Jumbo UK Ltd Palm Oil is bottled in a 1 litre opaque plastic bottle with a blue screw cap. The words PALM OIL pure oil from Nigeria, bottled exclusively for Jumbo UK Ltd; Waterden Road E15 2EE and a telephone number are all in red lettering on a white background. The 'best before' date is December 2005.

2. Jumbo UK Ltd Palm Oil is also bottled in a 2 litre opaque plastic bottle with an integral handle and a blue screw cap. The label is the same as that on the 1 litre bottle. The 'best before' date is December 2005.

To assist local authorities in correct identification of this product, pictures can be viewed from the links at the foot of this page.

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 IV. In addition Sudan IV is not a permitted colour.

If this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act. Jumbo UK Ltd has undertaken a trade withdrawal and displayed point-of-sale notices in their retail outlet in the London Borough of Hackney. However, the withdrawal has not been successful and 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.

It is essential that all non-unitary authorities liaise at county level to ensure that they co-ordinate their actions.

It is expected that action by local authorities will be initiated as soon as possible after receipt of this food hazard warning.