Contamination of Juliamco brand zomi palm oil with Sudan IV dye

Wednesday 1 December 2004

Food Alert: for Action

Ref: 64/2004 (England): 65 (Scotland)

Juliamco brand zomi fresh palm oil has been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan IV. So far the following sizes of Juliamco fresh zomi palm oil are known to be contaminated:
Juliamco Ent. zomi fresh palm oil 1.5 litre and 2.5 litre (no minimum durability date or batch code).

This brand of palm oil is exported from Ghana by:
Juliamco Enterprise
PO Box 10961
Accra-North
Ghana

The palm oil is imported into the United Kingdom by an individual based in the London Borough of Haringey. Information regarding distribution is not available, despite investigation by the local authority.

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
Juliamco zomi fresh palm oil is sold in opaque plastic 1.5 and 2.5 litre containers with either a red or blue plastic top 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.

The Juliamco zomi fresh palm oil has a label with the word �ZOMI� in blue lettering at the top and the words �Fresh Palm Oil� in yellow lettering below. Beneath this are the words �FOR GOOD COOKING� in white lettering. The background of the label has an image of palm fruit. In the bottom left hand corner of the label are the words �Juliamco Ent� in blue lettering with the address details in Ghana in white lettering beneath. In the bottom right hand corner is the size and �Product of Ghana� in yellow lettering around a black symbol.

To assist local authorities in correct identification of these products, a picture can be viewed from the link at the foot of this page.

Action to be taken by local authorities
These products present a health risk if consumed in sufficient quantity, and do 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If any of these products are found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that they are withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act 1990.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.