Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Friday, Aug 20, 2004
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Friday, Aug 20, 2004 |
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Agri-Biz & Commodities
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Oilseeds & Edible Oil Marketing - Standards & Benchmarks UK finds banned dye in branded palm oil G. Chandrashekhar
Mumbai , Aug. 19 THE scarlet scare is refusing to go away. Even before the dust after chance discovery of illegal red dye in Indian chillies has settled down in Europe, comes the news that the carcinogenic Sudan IV has been found in a batch of palm oil brands in the UK supermarket shelves. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed finding contaminated palm oil brands in the marketplace. Sales have been ceased and the product is being withdrawn. It may be recalled, around the same time last year, Indian chillies contaminated with Sudan I were found in France. The chemical red dye is known to be a genotoxic carcinogen and is strictly prohibited in food products. Immediately, the European Commission tightened the surveillance process and conducted extensive investigation using paper trail. Random checks are continuing to be conducted. Curry powder was included earlier this year for a paper trail and inspection. According to reports, in the last 12 months, in the UK alone, more than 200 products have been recalled on food safety grounds. Chilli and chilli products, including curry powder, will not be able to cross the European Union border without proof of freedom from the chemical red dye - Sudan I to IV. A couple of year ago, shiploads of palm oil destined for Europe were found to be sub-standard, possibly contaminated with mineral oil. Although India is the world's largest import market for palm oil, the problem of illegal red dye in palm oil is unlikely to affect consumers here because imports into the country are in bulk. A significant part of imported palm oil is in crude form which has to be mandatorily refined to meet quality standards laid down under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955. Imported vegetable oils are subject to 100 per cent sampling and testing on arrival.
More Stories on : Oilseeds & Edible Oil | Standards & Benchmarks | Dyes & Pigments
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