Contamination of BFW brand palm oil with Sudan IV dye

Wednesday 10 November 2004

Food Alert: for Action

Ref: 59/2004 (England): 60/2004 (Scotland)

BFW brand palm oil has been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan IV. So far, the following size of the BFW brand palm oil is known to be contaminated:

BFW Palm Oil
1Litre
Best before end 2006
Batch number: 64 0030

Sudan IV is not a permitted colour under the Colour 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.

According to the label, this product is packaged by:
Bajata Agencies and Farms Ltd
4 Radnor Close
Mitcham
Surrey
CR4 1XU

Despite enquiry by the appropriate local authority, the Agency has no details of the UK importer or distribution outlets. The affected product is believed to be manufactured in Ghana. This product appears to be distributed through direct van sales, and retailers who sell African or African-Caribbean food products are the main clients.

Identification of the product
The product is sold in a clear plastic 1 litre bottle. However, other sizes or batch codes 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.

Each bottle bears a paper label with an image of red palm fruits in the background. The brand name �BFW� is written in red lettering within a white rectangular box. Underneath this, �Palm Oil� is written in white lettering on a green background. The product size is written in white lettering and the words �The Pride of Palm Oil� in yellow. The label also bears a logo in black on an orange background surrounded with a bright yellow border.

To assist local authorities in correct identification of these products, 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.

If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act.

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