Sudan dyes in palm oils bottled by Macphilips Foods Ltd
Monday 16 August 2004
Several palm oil brands bottled by Macphilips Foods Ltd. have been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan IV. The Agency has issued a Category C Food Hazard Warning (FHW) in England and a Category D in Scotland.
The affected products were bottled for the following companies by Macphilips Foods Ltd, Unit 2, Golden House, Waterden Road, Stratford, London, E15 2EE:
Jumbo UK Ltd
Unit 4a Golden House
Waterden Road
London E15 2EE
Wanis Ltd
Golden House
Waterden Road
London E15 2EE
Macphilips Foods Ltd. have ceased distributing the affected products and are undertaking a trade withdrawal.
Food Hazard Warnings (FHWs)
FHWs are the FSA's way of letting local authorities and the public know about problems associated with food and, in some cases, provide details of specific action to be taken.
They are also copied to consultants in communicable disease control, trading standards officers and food trade organisations, to alert them to current food issues.
FHWs are currently issued under four categories:
A: For Immediate Action
B: For Action
C: For Action as Deemed Necessary
D: For Information
Sudan dyes
Sudan dyes are red dyes that are used for colouring solvents, oils, waxes, petrol, and shoe and floor polishes.
They have been found in some chilli powder imported from India.
They have also been found in a number of relishes, chutneys and seasonings containing this chilli powder. Sudan dyes are not allowed to be added to food in the UK and the rest of the European Union.
Fresh chillies are not affected. Investigations are continuing to identify whether any other products contain the following dyes: Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan III and Sudan IV (otherwise known as scarlet red).
The Agency is working with local authorities to stop products containing Sudan I to IV from being sold in the UK.
It is also asking companies that produce and sell these products to ensure that they are withdrawn and recalled.