Canoe

OTTAWA (CP) -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning people not to consume certain brands of pomace olive oil due to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, some of which are carcinogenic.

Pomace oil produced under the label of Clic, Cremona, Hermes, Italia, Lio, Mamma Mia, Mama Rosa, Pirolio, Siprio S.A., Via Italia and Zenit are involved in the warning and recall.

Pomace olive oil is a lower grade oil obtained from the residue (pomace) left after the extraction of higher grades of olive oils such as virgin olive oil.

Higher grade oils sold as olive oil, virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil are not affected by this alert.

PAHs are a group of chemicals that are formed during certain industrial processes and are common environmental contaminants. Some of the PAHs are carcinogenic and long term exposures can lead to serious health risks.

The agency is also requesting all importers, wholesalers, retailers, food processors, restaurants and other food establishments to stop the sale or use of the brands affected by this alert.

-- Rachel Gibson (rgibson@hotmail.com), August 31, 2001