Contamination of African Sun palm oil with Sudan IV dye

Thursday 4 November 2004

Food Alert: for Action

Ref: 53/2004 (England): 54/2004 (Scotland)

Two types of African Sun palm oils have been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan IV. So far the following types of African Sun palm oil are known to be contaminated:

African Sun Pure Zomi 1l
'best before' Dec 2006

African Sun Palm Oil 1l
'best before' Dec 2005

The African Sun Pure Zomi is labelled as Produce of West Africa, and the African Sun Palm Oil as Produce of Ghana. Manufacturer details do not appear on either label.

The Agency has no details of the UK importer, or distribution outlets. This product appears to be distributed through direct van sales, where retailers who sell African or Afro-Caribbean food products are the main clients.

Identification of the products
Both products are sold in clear plastic 1 litre bottles. 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.

The African Sun Pure Zomi bears a red sticky label, with the words African Sun, Pure Zomi, Produce of West Africa within brackets, and a list of ingredients, written in black text. The African Sun Palm Oil bears a yellow label, with the words 'African Sun, Palm Oil' and 'Produce of Ghana' in brackets, and ingredients.

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

Action 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If any of these products are found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that they are withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act 1990.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.