Contamination of G.C.C. Foods Limited brand palm oil with Sudan IV dye

Thursday 14 October 2004

Category C: For action as deemed necessary

Ref: 45/2004 (England/Wales): 46/2004 Scotland

G.C.C. Foods Limited brand 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.

The affected products are believed to be manufactured in Nigeria. The Agency has no details of the UK importer or distribution outlets. This product appears to be distributed through direct van sales, where retailers who sell African or Afro-Caribbean food products,are the main clients.

Product affected
The following size of G.C.C. Foods Limited palm oil is known to be contaminated:
G.C.C. Foods Limited Palm Oil - 1 kgs Expiry Date 02.06.06

Identification of the product
The product is sold in opaque plastic containers with a white screw-top cap and displays the weight as being 1 kgs. However, other weights or sizes or dates of this product may exist. If local authorities find any other weights/sizes/dates, they should sample the products and notify the Agency of any positive results. Local authorities should also ensure appropriate enforcement action is taken.

Each container bears a white paper label framed in green with the words �G.C.C. Foods Limited� written in green text, followed by �Top Quality, Palm Oil, Product of Africa, Cleaned and Packed by G.C.C.�, written in black text. The label also bears the weight of the product (1kgs), the expiry date (02.06.06) and the price (
2.49). The product has also been found to be sold in an identical plastic container without any label and it should also be removed from sale.

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

Actions to be taken by local authorities
The 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.

If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act.

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