Contamination of D'ayele Dzomi palm oil with Sudan IV dye

Wednesday 3 November 2004

Food Alert: for Action

Ref: 52/2004 (England): 53/2004 (Scotland)

Dzomi Palm Oil has been found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan IV.

So far, the following size of D'Ayele Dzomi Palm Oil is known to be contaminated:

D'Ayele Dzomi Palm Oil 500ml, no 'best before' date

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 product was manufactured in Ghana by:
Lady Dee's Ent.
PO Box MP 302
Mamprobi
Accra,
Ghana

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.

Identification of the product
The palm oil is sold in an opaque bottle, with a red screw top cap and is sold in 500ml size. However, other sizes or batch codes of this product may exist. If local authorities find any other sizes / batches they should sample the products, and notify the Agency of any positive results. Local authorities should also ensure appropriate enforcement action is taken.

The bottle bears a predominantly yellow label, with a faded picture of palm fruit on the front. The brand 'D'Aleye' is written in yellow and outlined in red. Dzomi is in orange colour text, outlined in black. Towards the bottom of the label the words 'Made & Packed by Lady Dee�s Ent., PO Box MP 302, Mamprobi, Accra, Ghana, Tel: 233 21 403 450 / 233 244 729 877' appear in black text.

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
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If any of this product is found within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn and destroyed, if necessary using powers under The Food Safety Act 1990.

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