Sudan IV dye contamination of Adun Foods brand zomi palm oil, bottled by MacPhilips Food Ltd

Wednesday 1 December 2004

Food Alert: for Action

Ref: 40/2004 England (Update 3), 41/2004 Scotland (Update 3)

Local authorities were advised in Food Hazard Warning 40/2004 and Updates 1 and 2 of Sudan IV contamination of various brand palm oils bottled by Macphilips Foods Ltd.

Heads of Environmental Services and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware that another brand of palm oil bottled by Macphilips Foods Ltd. has been found to be contaminated.

The additional affected product is:

Adun Foods Zomi Palm Oil
1 litre
Best before December 2005 and December 2006

This brand of palm oil was also bottled at the same time as those previously notified in Food Hazard Warning 40/2004, but has only recently been shown to be contaminated with Sudan IV.

It was bottled by:

Macphilips Foods Ltd
Unit 2
Golden House
Waterden Road
Stratford
London E15 2EE

The Adun Foods brand Zomi Palm Oil was distributed by:

Crownson-3 (UK) Ltd
Unit 28
Samuel Jones Industrial Estate
Peckham Grove
London SE15 6ES.

Despite investigation by local authorities, information regarding distribution is not available. The Agency therefore has no details of 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

Adun Foods Zomi Palm oil is sold in a clear plastic 1 litre container with a black lid. However, other sizes/batches, 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 label of the Adun Foods brand zomi palm oil has black lettering on a red background.

To assist local authorities in correct identification of these products, a picture can be viewed at the link below.

Actions to be taken by local authorities:

These products present a health risk if consumed in sufficient quantity, and do 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If any of these products are found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that they are withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act 1990.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.