Blue Bay palm oil update

Tuesday 12 October 2004

Category C: For action as deemed necessary

Ref: 31/2004 (Update 1)

Food Hazard Warning 31/2004 of Sudan IV advised of contamination of Blue Bay Brand pure palm oil.

Since that time another type of container and a different Best Before Date for Blue Bay Brand Pure Palm Oil to those previously notified have been found on sale in retail premises.

The affected product was manufactured by Home Foods Processing and Cannery Ltd in Accra, Ghana, for Yadco Quality Foods of 71 Ashfield Road, London N4 1PB. Yadco distributes the product predominantly in the London boroughs to small retail premises.

The additional affected products are
1Ltr Blue Bay Palm Oil 'best before' 13 Dec 2006
Weight Unspecified Blue Bay Zomi Oil 'best before' 31 Dec 2006

Identification of the products
The weight unspecified product is packed in a glass jar with a gold screw top lid. The label is affixed to the middle of the jar with the product being visible both above and below it. On the front of the label the words Blue Bay and Zomi are printed in white on a red background, and immediately beneath printed in white is the ingredient list, and Yadco contact details. The 'best before' date and the words Imported from Ghana West Africa also appear in white.

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

Actions 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If these products are found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that they are withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act. As the company has not issued any press release or made the public aware of the withdrawal, there remains the possibility that unused affected product is in consumers' homes. Local authorities are therefore asked to consider providing local publicity on this issue at the next available opportunity.

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