Regulations to be changed to bring uniformity to standard Aflatoxin levels

Regulations will be amended to lower the Health Ministry's Food Control Administration Unit (FCAU) set standard of Aflatoxin levels in coconut oil to 10 micrograms/kg to match the level of the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), the FCAU's Director told Times Online. 

FCAU Director Dr Thilak Siriwardena said the current controversy surrounding the substanted imported coconut oil had demonstrated the need to have a single standard for both institutions. 

Currently, the FCAU's standard for aflatoxin levels is 30 micrograms/kg. Dr Siriwardena stated that regulations will be changed soon to bring that level down to that of SLSI so as to have uniformity. 

In the meantime, the FCAU will be collecting between 1500 to 2000 samples of imported coconut oil from various parts of the country for testing, he revealed. This will be done through Public Health Inspectors (PHIs). However, since the current standard for contamination is 30 micrograms/kg, legal action will have to be taken based on this level, he explained.