The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) today recovered 22,000 kg. of cumin seeds which had been mixed with Sathakuppa seeds.
 
Sathakuppa seeds are said to have a similar appearance cumin seeds but to have some adverse effects on pregnancy. The media spokesman for the Ministry of Cooperatives and Internal Trade, Nipun Ekanayake, quoting a report from an ayurveda expert, said Sathakuppa seeds caused abortions.

He said cumin seeds mixed with Sathakuppa seeds were found in several shops in Pettah.

The ministry said the cumin seeds were imported from Pakistan.

Mr. Ekanayake said legal action would be taken against the importers of the cumin seeds as they had failed to carry out quality tests of the seeds before placing the order. (Yohan Perera)