Contaminated coriander seeds to be destroyed

by Carol Aloysius

Samples of the stock of 750 kilogrammes of coriander seeds found unfit for human consumption in a warehouse in Pettah have been tested positive and would be destroyed, said a spokesman for the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA).

"The tests proved that the businessmen had used sulphur dioxide to clean the coriander seeds. This also caused a fungal growth which is harmful to human health," Consumer Affairs Authority Information Director, C. Thilekeratne told the Sunday Observer. She said that the CAA was now collecting samples of locally manufactured paints, to protect customers from lead poisoning.

"The maximum levels of lead allowed are between 90-600 mg per kg. Anything above this level would be injurious to human health". She said lead contained heavy metal which could be harmful when used over a period of time.

At present there are five types of paints being manufactured locally. They include emulsion paint, enamel paint, floor paint and paint used for toys.