Ministry firm on vegetable crates

by Mohammed NAALIR

The Internal Trade Ministry has decided to impose spot fines for not using crates and reduce delays, Minister of Internal Trade Johnston Fernando said.

The Cooperatives and Internal Trade Ministry is discussing the feasibility of imposing spot fines on those who do not use plastic crates to transport vegetables, Minister Fernando said.

The Government has made it compulsory to use plastic crates to transport vegetables considering the benefit to consumers as well for maintain freshness of vegetables.

Forty seven lorries which transported vegetables in sacks and polythene bags, nabbed by Consumer Affairs Authority officers were presented before courts, according to Minister Fernando.

The Minister held discussions with the Consumer Affairs Authority officers and other relevant officers in relation to the implementation of the spot fine.

The Minister said that there is no connection between the increase of vegetable prices and the use of plastic crates.