Contamination of Anomwaa brand zomi palm oil with Sudan IV dye

Tuesday 14 December 2004

Food Alert: for Action

Ref: 71/2004 (England): 72/2004 (Scotland)

Anomwaa brand pure zomi palm oil has been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan IV.

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.

Product affected
Anomwaa pure zomi palm oil 1 Litre (no minimum durability date or batch code)

This brand of palm oil is exported from Ghana by Anomwaa Ent P.O. Box 13058 Accra, Ghana and is distributed by Nako General Goods Store, 39 Ridley Road, (Dalston Market), Hackney, London E8. Despite investigations by the local authority information regarding importation and distribution is not available, however action has been taken to remove it from sale at the premises.

The Agency therefore has no details of distribution outlets. This product appears to be distributed through direct van sales, where retailers who sell African or African-Caribbean food products are the main clients.

Identification of the product
Anomwaa pure zomi palm oil is sold in a plastic 1 Litre bottle without any batch codes or minimum durability dates. However, other sizes, of this product may exist. If local authorities find any other sizes they should sample the products, and notify the Agency of any positive results. Local authorities should also ensure appropriate enforcement action is taken.

Anomwaa pure zomi palm oil has a label with a predominantly red background. The brand name Anomwaa is in white lettering at the top of the label. Beneath this are the words Pure and Zomi in black lettering and the words Palm Oil in white lettering. At the bottom of the label is the weight declaration as NET WEIGHT: 1 LITRE in black lettering.

To assist local authorities in correct identification of these products, pictures can be viewed from the links at the foot of this page

Action to be taken by local authorities
This 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.

Enforcement officers should contact the premises in their area that they consider are likely to sell this product. If any of this product is found they should ensure that it is withdrawn from sale and destroyed, if necessary using powers under the Food Safety Act 1990.

All local authorities should be aware of the affected product and take appropriate action should it be found within their area during routine inspections.

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