A consignment of canned fish containing the toxic heavy metal arsenic has been discovered at the Customs storage complex in Orugodawatte, according to a statement from the Department of Government Information. The shipment, consisting of five containers, is valued at USD 215,000.
The toxic fish was inspected today by Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministries of Environment, Wildlife, Forest Resources, Water Supply, and Irrigation.
Chandrakeerthi stated that the contaminated stock will not be destroyed in Sri Lanka but will instead be re-exported. “These canned fish, imported in May 2022, contain arsenic levels exceeding the legal limits, making them unsafe for human consumption. Although classified as suitable for animal feed, it is also unsafe for that purpose.”
Sri Lanka Customs is conducting further investigations and inspections regarding the consignment.
