Imported sugar and milk not contaminated - Health Ministry

by Carol Aloysius

Samples of imported sugar and milk tested so far have revealed that they are not contaminated health officials told the Sunday Observer.

A senior health official speaking on the condition of anonymity said that following reports that imported sugar contained heavy metals including arsenic and cadmium which could cause cancer and other adverse effects on one's health, the Health Ministry began testing samples of the sugar randomly at its laboratories. "We tested 25 samples last month and are continuing to test more this month. Although the results have been negative, we will continue to test all imported sugar sold in the shops", he said.

The spokesman said that following reports of DCD - (Dicyandiamide), an injurious chemical reported to have been found in imported milk powder, several samples had been sent to a laboratory in Thailand since Sri Lanka lacked the sophisticated hi tech equipment for such testing.

"So far none of the tests has come back positive. But we will keep testing samples of all imported milk sold in the open market for an indefinite period", he said.