The officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) seized 15,000 kg of adulterated chillie powder from a grinding mill store at Sedawatte today.

The raid was conducted when the stock of chillie powder was being prepared to be sold for about Rs.4.5 million targeting the upcoming festive season.

The chillie powder was found to have been mixed with flour, powdered bread crumbs and coloured with fabric dye.

About 2,000 kilogrammes of powdered bread crumbs and another 3,000 Kilogrammes of low quality pepper powder were also seized.

CAA said the proprietor of the grinding mill would be produced in Court soon. They said that the racket had been going on for long time.

Trade Minister Johnston Fernando had instructed the CAA Chairman to carry out raids regularly so as to nab errant vendors who sell food items which were unsuitable for human consumption, especially during festive seasons. (Chaturanga Pradeep)