NOPS calls for Presidential Committee to probe claims of adulterated milk powder

The National Organisation for Patient Safety (NOPS) is urging the President to appoint a committee that would probe into the standards of imported milk powder.

In a letter addressed to the President, the NOPS said that people across all walks of life consume milk and have been disturbed by recent claims concerning the sale of sub-standard milk powder.

The letter directed the President's attention towards the recent remarks made by Deputy Minister Buddhika Pathirana's unsubstantiated claims of adulterated and sub-standard milk powder which he alleged was being imported and sold across the country.

Further, the NOPS said that a recognised report was yet to be released to the public despite claims made by the Health Ministry  that imported milk powder was fit for consumption.

"The GMOA too has not submitted an authorised report although it has outlined 21 diseases which can be caused by consuming powdered milk," the letter noted.

The reports published by Mawbima Lanka Foundation and Sri Lankan doctors to refute allegations against milk powder cannot be accepted since they were obtained following paid tests, NOPS Secretary Dhammika Edirisinghe claimed.

Accordingly, the Organisation requested the President in the letter to clear the confusion pertaining to this issue by appointing a committee in this regard.