Contamination of various Nana Birago 1 refined palm oils with Sudan IV dye

Tuesday 14 September 2004

Category C: For action as deemed necessary

Ref: 43/2004 (England) 44/2004 (Scotland)

Nana Birago 1 Refined Palm Oil has been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan IV. So far the following sizes of Nana Birago 1 Refined Palm Oil, are known to be contaminated:

Nana Birago 1 Refined Palm Oil - 5L Exp. Date 2004

Nana Birago 1 Refined Palm Oil - 1.5L Exp. Date 2004

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 affected products were manufactured in Ghana by:
Akuaak Trad. Ltd.,
PO Box C56,
Cantonments,
Accra,
Ghana

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 product
There are no clear 'Best Before' dates for this product, only the year as indicated. All the above products are sold in clear plastic containers with a red or blue screw top cap, and are known to be sold in 5 litre and 1.5 litre size. 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 container bears a paper label in a predominantly light red/salmon colour. The top of the label has the words 'Akuaak Trad. Ltd.' in black capital letters. Underneath, written in white capitals, are the words: 'Nana Birago 1 Refined Palm Oil'. Below this, 'Zomi' or 'Red Oil' is in black lettering. However, on some sizes the word 'Zomi' is handwritten in black felt-tipped pen.

The bottom of the label has a white background, with the words 'Taking 100g of Nana Birago's 1 Refined Oil a day provides you with all your Vitamin A and E requirements. Nana's refined oil is hygienically packed'. Followed by the Nutritional Information.

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.

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 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 1990.

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