Jumbo Zomi Palm Oil and Tropical Sun Zomi Palm Oil
Thursday 5 August 2004
Two palm oil brands 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.
Most of the affected oil has been sold directly to the public from Jumbo UK Ltd, and Wanis Ltd through their retail outlets, but it has also been distributed to cash and carry stores and retail outlets in England.
The affected product was manufactured in Ghana by Kokwe Farms Ltd, PO Box 15849, Accra, North Ghana.
It was imported by Jumbo UK Ltd, Unit 4A, Golden House, Waterden Road, London E15 2EE.
Jumbo UK Ltd bottled the oil for its own brand Zomi Palm Oil. They also bottled it under the Tropical Sun brand for Wanis Ltd. Golden House, Waterden Road, E15 2EE.
To see pictures of the affected products click on the links at the bottom of the page.
Food Hazard Warnings
FHWs are the Agency's way of letting local authorities and consumers 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.
They 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 EU.
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 - 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 It is also asking companies that produce and sell these products to ensure that they are withdrawn and recalled.