Product recall of Unilever Bestfoods Ltd Bertolli brand 'Pesto Rosso' sauce 185g jar

Monday 15 September 2003

Category D 'For Information'

Heads of Environmental Health Services and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware of a product recall by Unilever Bestfoods Ltd of Bertolli Pesto Rosso Sauces sold in 185g jars, due to the contamination with the illegal dye Sudan I.

Sudan I is not a permitted colour under the Colours in Food Regulations1995. It is considered to be a genotoxic carcinogen and its presence, at any level is not permitted in foodstuffs for any purpose.

Unilever Bestfoods Ltd has issued a press release and the following product recall notice (see attached) in national newspapers, which should appear on Tuesday 16 September 2003 and Wednesday 17 September 2003.

No other Bertolli Brand products are known to be affected.

Additional Information: The Home Authority for Unilever Bestfoods Ltd is Crawley Trading Standards and the lead officer is Mr David Brown who may be contacted on 01903 839731.