Contamination of palm oils distributed by Baffour Oils with Sudan IV dye

Certain palm oils distributed by Baffour Oils of Leyton, London E10, have been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan IV.

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.

Products affected
So far the following palm oils are known to be affected:
Baffour Pure Palm Oil approx 500ml 'best before' Dec 2005
Baffour Pure Palm Oil approx 500ml 'best before' Dec 2006
Baffour Pure Zomi Palm Oil approx. 500ml 'best before' Dec 2005
Baffour Pure Zomi Palm Oil approx. 500ml 'best before' Dec 2006
Ace Brand Pure Palm Oil 1Litre 'best before' Dec 2005

They were distributed in the United Kingdom by
Baffour Oils
Unit 12 Leyton Industrial Estate
Argall Avenue
Leyton
E10 7QP

Distribution of the product
Despite investigation by the local authority, Baffour Oils has been unable to provide a distribution list for the affected products. The affected products have been found on sale in retailers who specialise in African or African-Caribbean food products.

Identification of the products
Baffour Pure Palm Oil approx 500ml 'best before' Dec 2005 / 'best before' Dec 2006
This product is packed in a clear glass jar with either a white or gold coloured screw-top lid. A red label is affixed to the front of the jar. The product description appears in large white lettering beneath which are the contact details for the distributor in smaller white lettering. In the top left hand corner there is a white flash in which the words �Imported From Ghana West Africa� appear in red lettering. In the top right hand corner there is a white flash in which the 'best before' date appears in red lettering.

Baffour Pure Zomi Palm Oil approx. 500ml 'best before' Dec 2005/'best before' Dec 2006
This product has the same packaging and labelling as the Pure Palm Oil described above.

Ace Brand Pure Palm Oil 1Litre 'best before' Dec 2005
This product is packed into a clear plastic container and has an orange screw-top plastic cap. There is a small gold label attached to the front of the container. In the top centre of the label is a black diamond shape in which the brand name ACE appears in gold lettering. Immediately beneath this is the product description and distributor's details printed in black lettering. The top left hand corner of the label displays the words �Produce of Nigeria� and the top right hand corner displays the 'best before' date, both are in black lettering.

To assist local authorities in correct identification of these products, pictures of each can be viewed from the link at the foot of this page.

Actions to be taken by local authorities
The 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.

Enforcement officers should contact the premises in their district that they think are likely to sell the affected products. If any of these products are found they should ensure that they are withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under the Food Safety Act 1990.

All local authorities should be aware of the affected products and take appropriate action should they be found within their area during routine inspections.

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