Contaminated B-onions worth over Rs. 8m seized

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) yesterday seized 80,000 kilograms of contaminated big onions imported from India and hidden in two containers at the Welisara Dedicated Economic Centre.

The CAA officials who conducted the raid had estimated that the value of the seized consignment was worth over Rs. 8 million. Arrangements had been made to sell the contaminated big onions to bakeries, hotels and at local fairs a Co-operatives and Internal Ministry spokesman told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

On the directive of Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando, the CAA has conducted a large number of raids to apprehend errant importers and wholesale traders who reintroduce outdated food items to the market, he said.

Minister Fernando has directed the CAA to intensify raids island-wide to nab errant traders, including food outlets and eateries selling soft drinks. The CAA officials have been instructed to be vigilant and conduct regular raids to nab traders who fail to supply quality goods to consumers. Legal action will be taken against the errant traders who breach the law.

These initiatives by the CAA have not only safeguarded consumers, but has also generated a lot of revenue through the fines imposed. The CAA has collected over Rs 90 million via fines imposed on errant trader countrywide from January to October last year.