Felixstowe: Dog owners warned as palm oil washes up on beach

Lumps of solidified palm oil have washed up on Felixstowe beach

Dog owners have been urged to keep their pets away from beaches after palm oil washed up on the shore.

Felixstowe Coastguard Rescue Team said "large amounts" of the substance had been found on the Suffolk beach.

Palm oil is toxic to dogs and if ingested can cause a fatal reaction.

The coastguard has advised dog owners keep their pets off the beach and on a lead as although the palm oil has been removed "it is possible that more could come ashore".

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In response to another Facebook post by HM Coastguard in Lowestoft, one person said they had seen palm oil deposits at Lowestoft's south beach.

Palm oil has a wide variety of uses and is found in food, soaps and shampoos, and biofuels.

It is not harmful to humans but can be fatal for pets.

Palm oil can be released legally by ships at sea and can then become contaminated with other waste products.

Palm oil can form into white or yellowish coagulated lumps which have a waxy texture

The coastguard has advised anyone who finds palm oil on a beach to call them on 999 so they can "arrange quick and safe disposal".

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