The Food Standards Agency was Friday afternoon (6 July) taking urgent action for the withdrawal of Spanish olive-pomace olive oil from sale and is advising consumers and caterers against its use. This is a result of information received from the Spanish Government, which has banned this oil from sale on food safety grounds. This action does not apply to any other olive oils nor to non-Spanish olive-pomace oils.

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The Spanish authorities found high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in this oil. PAHs are widespread environmental pollutants that include chemicals that could cause cancer. The levels found in this oil are up to 60 times higher that those commonly found as background contamination in UK vegetable oils.


Geoffrey Podger, Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency, said:


“The Food Standards Agency is acting to protect the consumer. As soon as we received this information from Spanish Government, we acted immediately.


“I must stress that this does not relate to any other types of olive oil, nor to non-Spanish olive-pomace oils. We will be working closely with the food industry over the next few days to identify any other products that may be affected and will take appropriate action.”

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The Food Standards Agency has this afternoon advised all local authorities to ensure the removal of any Spanish olive-pomace oil from shops. It is also urgently working with industry to identify other products that contain Spanish olive-pomace oil and will then issue further advice.


This action relates specifically to Spanish olive-pomace oil. It does not affect other types of olive oil, nor does it affect olive-pomace oil from other countries such as Greece or Italy. Spanish olive-pomace oil only represents only a tiny amount of the UK vegetable oil market: around 0.1% of the one million tonnes consumed each year.


NOTES TO EDITORS


The Food Standards Agency has established helpline for anyone who needs further advice and information. The number is 0845 0000048, it is open 9am until 6pm, including this weekend.


Further information is also available on the Food Standards Agency website: www.foodstandards.gov.uk