Dog owners issued urgent warning as dangerous substance found across UK beach

26 September 2023 , 10:42

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Dog walkers in particular were told to avoid the affected areas (Image: Adur and Worthing Councils WS)

A mysterious substance washed up on a Sussex beach on Sunday, – sparking fears Brits' beloved dogs may be in danger if not properly monitored.

It is believed that palm oil was found on the Adur and Worthing coastline yesterday in three different locations, according to Worthing Borough Council. It was found on the seafront in Beach Parade, at Windsor Lawns in Worthing, and next to Perch on Lancing beach.

The Environment Agency is now investigating the situation after what they believe was palm oil washed up on the shore, and was yesterday due to take a sample of the substance. The council’s coastal warden team removed the supposed oil, working with the waste team.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Palm oil can get into the marine environment when it is legally released at sea by ships when vessels wash out their tanks. The resulting substances are often mixed with other chemicals such as diesel, making it extremely harmful if ingested.

The suspected palm oil washed up in the area around Worthing beach (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

“Washed up onto the beach, palm oil is white and waxy in appearance and can range in a variety of sizes from pebble sized, semi-solid lumps to larger blocks and can smell of diesel. Dog owners in Adur and Worthing are being advised to be cautious when walking their pets on the beach. If they suspect their pet has eaten any of the substance they should go to the vets immediately,” they said according to The Argus.

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Palm oil is often used in food manufacturing, for beauty products, as a biofuel, and to produce vegetable oil. Since 2014, it has accounted for around 33% of all global oils produced from oil crops. But environmental concerns have recently been raised regarding the use of palm oil, due to the levels of deforestation required to produce it. It has also been linked with human rights abuses regarding working conditions in the production process.

If anyone spots what they think could be palm oil then they can contact the coastal office on 01903238977.

Alex Croft