Adulterated pepper haul in Pettah

Rasika Somarathna

The Consumer Affairs Authority seized 1,000 kgs of adulterated pepper containing mineral oil from a wholesale consumer goods distributor in Pettah yesterday.

Cooperatives and Internal Trade Ministry sources said the stock valued at over Rs 700,000 was ready to be distributed among retail outlets when it was seized by CAA officers. The sources said the seized stock of pepper contained mineral oil which is an adulterant and not allowed to be used in a human consumption commodity.

Experts said mineral oil is used to suppress fungus and give more weight and a dark black colour to outdated pepper. The stock is been analysed. The CAA will pursue legal action against the errant trader, a ministry spokesman said.