Sri Lanka Customs Orders Re-export of Sub-Standard Rice

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka Customs has ordered the re-export of a sub-standard stock of rice brought into the country. 

According to Customs spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda, the issue was found to be the fault of the company that sent the rice to Sri Lanka, and the company will be required to reimburse the payment for the rice.

He clarified that the importer responsible for bringing in the rice stock will not be blacklisted.

The sub-standard rice, weighing 75,000 kilograms, was discovered in three containers brought by private importers to the Colombo port. 

In one container, a sticker was placed over the production and expiry dates of the rice packages, altering those dates. 

Food Control Unit of the Ministry of Health also reported finding insects in the rice in the other two containers.

Arukgoda further noted that nearly 6,500 metric tons of rice imported into Sri Lanka have already been distributed.