Derived from the oil palm fruit's reddish pulp, palm oil is rich in vitamin E and beta-carotene, the pigment responsible for its distinctive color. Its versatility and health advantages contribute to its widespread use in cooking across African nations, notably Nigeria, where it enhances both the flavor profile and visual presentation of various dishes.
However, the increasing demand for palm oil with a vibrant orange-red color has led some dishonest traders to adulterate their products with Sudan IV, a synthetic dye commonly used in industrial applications such as coloring waxes, plastics, and oils. Sudan IV is part of a group of synthetic dyes, including Sudan I, II, and III, all of which are recognized as carcinogenic and mutagenic.
These dyes are prohibited in food products due to their detrimental health effects. Despite this prohibition, Sudan IV has infiltrated food processing due to its capacity to improve the color of palm oil, making it more attractive to consumers. The use of this hazardous dye presents significant health risks, highlighting the critical need for regulatory agencies to enhance monitoring and enforcement to protect public health.
Research has associated Sudan IV, a synthetic dye, with liver and bladder cancers, as it can induce genetic mutations. In 2003, the European Union and other international regulatory authorities enacted stringent bans on Sudan IV in food products after its presence was detected in chili powder and other ingredients. These actions aim to safeguard public health by preventing contamination in food supply chains, as exposure to these dyes can lead to severe long-term health consequences.
Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, along with the International Agency for Research on Cancer, has prohibited the use of Sudan IV in food products due to its associated health risks. However, some unscrupulous individuals persist in using this dye in palm oil to create an appealing deep-red color, misleading consumers in the process.
In interviews with Saturday PUNCH, nutrition specialists and public health professionals highlighted that the low cost, vibrant color, widespread availability, and easy access to Sudan IV make it an attractive option for dishonest traders aiming to enhance the visual appeal of palm oil.
Professor Ignatius Onimawo, a Public Health Nutrition expert, noted that palm oil is a crucial edible oil in West Africa. Derived from palm fruits, it serves as a nutritious ingredient in local cuisine and possesses additional health benefits. Nevertheless, he expressed concern over the illicit use of Sudan IV in palm oil, which jeopardizes the safety of the product.
“The improper use of Sudan IV to enhance the appearance of palm oil raises significant health concerns,” Onimawo emphasized. “While palm oil offers essential nutritional and medicinal advantages, the introduction of harmful dyes erodes consumer trust and presents a serious public health threat.”
As the Vice-Chancellor of Ave Maria University, Abuja, he remarked that the adulteration of palm oil with Sudan IV is a dangerous practice that can lead to severe health issues for consumers. “Sudan IV carries substantial health risks when incorporated into food products like palm oil, particularly for vulnerable groups. It is crucial to implement effective detection methods, robust regulatory frameworks, and prompt medical responses to safeguard public health,” he stated.
Supporting Onimawo’s viewpoint, James Oloyede, the Director of Nutrition Services and Health Education at the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, cautioned that the addition of Sudan IV to palm oil is detrimental to health.
Improving the color of oil raises concerns, especially when it is intended to be consumed in its natural state. The NAFDAC has prohibited this practice, indicating that it poses health risks, he stated. He elaborated that long-term exposure to Sudan IV could result in cumulative health effects, potentially leading to cancer and other serious conditions.
Oloyede emphasized, “These substances, when ingested over time, can build up in the body and lead to various illnesses. They offer no nutritional benefits and are superfluous in our food supply.” He pointed out that identifying Sudan IV in palm oil can be difficult, as it requires an understanding of the oil's inherent characteristics.
“Authentic palm oil typically exhibits an orange-red-yellow color and has a unique aroma. The presence of Sudan IV alters these traits, which can act as a warning signal,” he noted. Professor Tanimola Akande, an epidemiologist and public health expert at the University of Ilorin, further highlighted the toxicity of the dye.
“Sudan IV is not sanctioned for human consumption and poses significant health risks, including cancer and damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys,” he cautioned. Akande, who previously served as the National Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, called for ongoing enforcement of the Sudan IV ban. He also advised consumers to be cautious and refrain from buying palm oil from unreliable sources.
Experts collectively agree on the importance of educating both producers and consumers about the hazards of Sudan IV and the necessity of rigorous regulatory oversight to protect public health. The issue of adulterating palm oil with Sudan IV has once again been highlighted, with experts and research emphasizing the serious health threats linked to this prohibited synthetic dye. Professor Tanimola Akande urged government bodies like NAFDAC to enhance their monitoring efforts.
Significant efforts must be directed towards raising awareness about this detrimental practice among both consumers and those who engage in it. Many individuals involved may not fully grasp the risks they are imposing on others, he stated.
Akande highlighted the importance of vigilance, noting that identifying Sudan IV in palm oil can be quite difficult. “Detecting the presence of Sudan IV is not straightforward, so consumers should exercise caution, purchase only from trustworthy vendors, and be skeptical of red oil that appears or tastes different from what they are accustomed to,” he recommended.
A study featured in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioresources elaborated on the adverse effects of Sudan IV on kidney health. Conducted by Kate Imafidon and Lucky Okunrobo, the research examined biochemical and histological alterations in the kidneys of albino rats subjected to various concentrations of the dye in palm oil.
The study involved 32 rats divided into four groups, with each group receiving palm oil containing 0.005%, 0.01%, and 0.015% concentrations of Sudan IV. The results indicated significant elevations in biochemical markers such as creatinine, urea, potassium, alanine transaminase, and sodium levels, all of which signal kidney distress.
“Histopathological analysis revealed blood congestion in the veins, thickened vessel walls (hypertrophy), and a buildup of chronic inflammatory cells in the kidney cortex,” the study reported. It also noted the presence of fibrosis and hemorrhage in the kidneys, with the severity of effects increasing alongside dye concentration.
These findings confirm the nephrotoxic effects of Sudan IV and underscore the urgent need for stringent enforcement of food safety regulations.
Akande advocated for substantial penalties for offenders, stating, “Those involved in such activities should face appropriate sanctions to deter future violations and protect public health.”
Both expert consensus and research consistently indicate that Sudan IV adulteration of palm oil poses significant health risks, highlighting the necessity for vigilance, consumer education, and regulatory oversight.