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Stock of sugar leaves residents bitter
Residents of Godakawela in the Ratnapura district have been left with a bitter taste in the mouth. It has been discovered the sugar they had been purchasing from local shops over the past few weeks were in fact unsuitable for human consumption.Residents said Public Health officials to whom they complained regarding the poor quality of sugar they purchased, did not take steps to remedy the problem.
Getting rid of the contaminated sugar
They charged that sugar purchased from a particular kiosk did not dissolve in the water and suspected some insoluble matter had been added to the sugar. Last month in response to the complaints, samples of sugar bought from a particular Godakawela trade stall were sent to the Government Analysts Department for testing.
The tests revealed the presence of foreign bodies in the sample and a stock of 6,442 kg of sugar was declared unsuitable for human consumption. Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Vipula Kumara said the analyst’s report revealed the presence of a sandy substance in the sugar, which though not necessarily dangerous was insoluble.
Traces of the substance were found to be present in both the samples of white and red sugar which were reportedly imported from Brazil. Accordingly the entire stock which has been seized by the Ministry of Sugar Industries is to be destroyed.
Ministry sources revealed the stock –188 bags of 50 kg each (both red and white) were destroyed at Mulberry estate in Balawinna.
A similar stock of sugar was detected in the adjoining village of Weligepola about six months earlier. Officials warned consumers that though there was no difference in taste of the sugar there could elements of foreign matter in it.
A team consisting of Vipula Kumara, H.S.P. Munaweera, S.V. Manjula and R.I. Gamage PHIs, led by Medical Officer of Health Godakawela Ms. Indika Liyanage, conducted the raids.
The businessman who sold the stock of sugar was produced before the Galmadulla Magistrate who imposed a fine of Rs. 6000 on the offender.
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