Illegal dyes discovered in more food from Ghana

London -- Newham Council is warning the public to look out for a palm oil and chilli powder that contain the banned dyes Sudan I and IV.

The Golden Sun brand of palm oil, which is found to contain the Sudan IV dye, is manufactured in Ghana and is distributed by Macphilips Foods Ltd and Wanis Ltd, which are both located in Golden House, Waterden Road, Stratford.

The affected batch has a best before date of end of December 2005 and is sold in a 1-litre bottle.

The Mehran brand of Extra Hot Chilli Powder has also been found to contain both Sudan I and IV dyes. The product is manufactured and packed by Pure Food Ltd of Dubai, United Arab Emirates and imported by Moona Foods Ltd of Spencer Road, Bradford and Weedofoods Ltd of Manor Way Business Centre, Rainham, Essex.

The affected batch has a best before date of 02/2006 and is sold in 100-gram bags.

Sudan dyes can cause cancer, though there is no immediate threat of illness. People would not be at risk unless they ate the products regularly and over a long period of time. The colourings are not allowed to be added to food in the UK and the rest of the EU.

Councillor June Leitch, Cabinet member for Public Realm, said: ?These products have been withdrawn from sale, however, members of the public are urged to check their food cupboards.?

Anyone who is concerned about these and other food products can contact the Food Safety Team on 020 8430 4433.