Bowser loads of coconut oil contaminated with aflatoxin: Customs

The test results received from the Sri Lanka Standard Institute (SLSI) certified that the coconut oil samples taken from the two bowsers contain aflatoxin properties, Customs Department said.

The media spokesman of the Department said the unrefined coconut oil samples were sent to the Sri Lanka Standards Institution for inspection.

The test results of the unrefined oil samples recorded that the oil stocks contains aflatoxin properties, he said.

"The test results of the crude coconut oil samples were received today," he said.

The Dankouwa police had handed over the two bowsers of substandard coconut oil to the Customs on March 31 in defiance of the order made by the Marawila Magistrate.

The Dankotuwa Police had seized the two bowsers containing carcinogenic coconut oil on March 29 and the Police had made submissions to the Marawila Chief Magistrate on the following day.

The SLSI had advised issuing a report after testing the purity.

However, the customs department is continuing its investigations said, they are awaiting the reports from the Government Analyst and the Food Control Unit of the Health Ministry. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)