Sri Lanka Customs has ordered the re-export of a sub-standard stock of rice imported into the country, citing issues with its quality and labeling.
Customs spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda confirmed that the fault lies with the company that dispatched the rice to Sri Lanka. As a result, the company will be required to reimburse the payment for the consignment. However, he clarified that the local importer responsible for bringing in the stock will not be blacklisted.
The sub-standard rice, weighing 75,000 kilograms, was discovered in three containers imported by private entities at the Colombo Port.
- In one container, a sticker had been placed over the original production and expiry dates, altering them.
- The Ministry of Health’s Food Control Unit reported finding insects in the rice stored in the other two containers.
Arukgoda further revealed that nearly 6,500 metric tons of rice imported into Sri Lanka have already been distributed.
