Coconut oil shipment not released yet: SLSI

Sri Lanka Standard Institution (SLSI) says 13 containers of coconut oil have not been approved yet for sales to consumers by DG Sri Lanka Customs, DG SLSI and Health Ministry (Food Control) unit, contrary to reports.

It said the Consumer Affairs Authority is also carrying out a stringent watch on these imports. 

SLSI said it has not authorised the sale of unhealthy coconut oil imported to the country by four importers. 

“The four importers – Ali Brothers Ltd., Sena Mills Refineries, Edirisinghe Edible Oils and Katana Refineries are long-standing importers of oil and their samples are under test for which results will be released within a few days,” SLSI Director General Dr. Siddhika Senaratne said.

Based on the test results, SLSI together with the Ministry of Health (Food Control Unit) will provide necessary instructions to Sri Lanka Customs for sale or re-export of these coconut oil imports.

SLSI being the standards body for quality to the nation will not compromise the set standards for any commodity or material that will be detrimental to the lives and livelihoods of Sri Lankans, SLSI added in a statement.