7 December 2011 06:16 pm
He said the ministry had conducted inquiries into such acts by the private sector.
“We do not purchase milk that has turned stale or sour from cattle farmers. Yet, some private companies do so and mix it with hydrogen peroxide. They are not concerned about health risks. It is not good for people to consume such products. We are continuing with our inquiries in this regard,” he said but did not divulge the names of these companies.
Commenting on the livestock industry, Mr. Mithrapala said plans were afoot to import 3,000 heads of cattle and that information had been gathered from countries such as Australia, Pakistan and India.
During his speech during last year’s budget debate, the deputy minister said the government would import camels and ostriches to be farmed here but it never materialised because of protests from animal lovers. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)