Charumoodu: Adulteration of edible articles is rife across the country and pose health hazards. ‘Rubber chilli’ was found among red chilli bought from the government-owned Supplyco outlet at Palamel, near Mavelikkara, in Alappuzha district.
The artificial chilli was found in a pack purchased by one Pynumoottil Raheem, a resident of Athikkattukulangara. He has filed a complaint with the health department and Supplyco.
Raheem had bought 500 gm of red chilli from a Supplyco shop a month ago. His wife Zeenath noticed the rubber chilli while grinding.
When contacted, Girikumar, Supplyco manager, said: “Red chilli is brought to Supplyco’s head office at Ernakulam from other states. It is dispatched to various places based on orders. At the head office, only sales are carried out; there are no provisions for checking the quality or adulteration.”
Of late, several customers have reported strange incidents owing to chemical-laced fish. Toxic chemicals applied on fish has reportedly resulted in discolouration of hand ornaments and even luminescence in fish.
Consumers who come across similar cases of adulteration, please contact the helpline: 1800-425-1125 (Toll free).
