Contamination of Pardo brand palm oil with Sudan IV dye

Monday 6 December 2004

Food Alert: for Action

Ref: 66/2004 (For Action) (England): 67/2004 (For Information) (Scotland)

Pardo brand palm oil has 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.

The products affected are:
Pardo Pure Palm Oil 426ml 'best before' 31/08/05
Pardo Pure Palm Oil 750ml 'best before' 31/01/05
Pardo Pure Palm Oil Zomi 426ml 'best before' 31/10/05
Pardo Pure Palm Oil Zomi 750ml 'best before' 31/10/05

The affected product was exported from Ghana by
Mercedan Enterprises
P.O Box 5088
Accra
North Ghana

It was distributed in the United Kingdom by:
Wellco Limited
23 Barretts Green Road
London
NW10 7AE

Distribution of the product
The distributor, Wellco Ltd, has provided a distribution list for premises that receive Pardo brand palm oil, which can be accessed by enforcement officers via EHC-Net and TS Interlink.

Identification of the product
The 426ml size of both pure and zomi palm oil is in a clear glass jar with a white screw-top lid. The label has a blue background on which the product description and information appears in white lettering. A black map of Africa is mounted to the top left of the label with the word Pardo inserted in to it in white lettering. Beneath the map are the distributor�s details.

The 750ml size of both pure and zomi palm oil is as described above with the exception of the label which is red in colour instead of blue.

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

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

Enforcement officers should contact the premises in their district that are named on the distribution list. If any of this product is found they should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under the Food Safety Act 1990.

Local authorities that do not have premises named on the distribution list should be aware of the affected product and take appropriate action should they find it 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.