Jumbo UK and Tropical Sun palm oil update 2

Tuesday 12 October 2004

Category C: For action as deemed necessary

Ref: 38/2004 (update 2)

Food Hazard Warning 38/2004 advised of Sudan IV contamination of Jumbo Zomi Palm Oil and Tropical Sun Zomi Palm Oil.

Since that time another size and type of Tropical Sun Palm Oil to the one previously notified has been found on sale in retail premises.

The affected product was manufactured in Ghana by Kokwe Farms Ltd., PO Box 15849, Accra, North Ghana, and was imported by Jumbo UK Ltd., Unit 4A, Golden House, Waterden Road E15 2EE, part of the consignment was then packed for Wanis Ltd., Golden House, Waterden Road E15 2EE.

Most of the product has been sold directly to the public from Wanis Ltd, through its retail outlets but it has also distributed it to cash and carry stores and retail outlets in England.

The product affected is
Tropical Sun Nigerian Palm Oil 2 Litre 'best before end' Dec 2005

Identification of the product
1. Tropical Sun Nigerian palm oil is bottled in a 2 Litre opaque plastic bottle with a blue screw cap. The words TROPICAL SUN NIGERIAN PALM OIL packed for Wanis Limited Waterden Road, E15 2EE are all in black lettering on a yellow background. The 'best before' date is December 2005.

To assist local authorities in correct identification of these products, a picture of each can be viewed from the link 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If these products are found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that they are withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act. As the company have not issued any press release or made the public aware of the withdrawal, there remains the possibility that unused affected product is in consumers' homes. Local authorities are therefore asked to consider providing local publicity on this issue at the next available opportunity.

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