Contamination of various Nanas Products Palm Oil Zomi with Sudan IV dye

A number of Nanas Products Palm Oil Zomi have been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan IV. So far the following sizes of Nanas Products Palm Oil Zomi are known to be contaminated:

Nanas Products Palm Oil Zomi - 1l 'best before' Dec 2006
Nanas Products Palm Oil Zomi - 1l 'best before' 2006

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:
Nanas Products,
D29,
Manet Court,
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
All the above products are sold in clear plastic containers, with a red screw top cap and are sold in 1 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 with the words 'Nanas Products Palm Oil Zomi, Pure Oil from Ghana, Packed and Distributed by Nanas', on the front. On the back of the label the words, 'Palm Oil Zomi, Specially made for: Nanas, D29, Manet Court, Accra, Ghana. UK Distributor Nana's, Tel/Fax: 020 811 0423, Mob: 07946 496 941'.

To assist local authorities in correct identification of these products, a picture 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If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act 1990.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.