The main objective of this targeted survey was to generate information on the presence and levels of non-permitted colours in red palm oils available on the Canadian retail market.
Colours are added to foods to compensate for the natural colour loss due to processing, to achieve a uniform product colour and to make food appear more appealing. This targeted survey is focused on non-permitted colours, Sudan III and IV, in red palm oils because they are potentially toxic and carcinogenic. Sudan III and IV are red dyes used for industrial products such as textiles, polish and paints and are banned for use in food.
Palm oil is a nutritious oil that is reddish-brown in colour, contains beta-carotene and is produced from the fruit pulp of the oil palm tree. It is mainly produced in Asian and West African countries. Because of their low cost and bright colour, Sudan III and IV could be used illegally by some producers to enhance the red colour of palm oil to appear to have a better quality product.