Skyrocketing Bread Prices

The Consumers Affairs Authority has come forward to safeguard consumers by gazetting the minimum weight of a loaf of bread – the poor man’s daily need – which should be 450 grams.

Some supermarkets have their own bread made by them weighing 400 grams with prices starting from Rs 160 and going up to Rs 450. The bread priced at Rs 160 expires after 24 hours, which means it is only for daily use, while expensive varieties expire after 4 to 5 days. We presume that long lasting bread has a special highly expensive additive to keep them in good condition for 4 to 5 days, or is this a camouflage to sell bread above the controlled price of Rs 160? Actually one loaf will finish within 24 hours or faster and therefore there is no need to keep it fresh for 4 days.

Some supermarkets have their own bread made by them weighing 400 grams with prices starting from Rs 160 and going up to Rs 450. The bread priced at Rs 160 expires after 24 hours, which means it is only for daily use, while expensive varieties expire after 4 to 5 days.

Considering the price difference between one day expiry and four day expiry bread, is this ‘special additive’ so expensive?

The oldest supermarket in Sri Lanka seems to cater only for the rich, as they sell only expensive long lasting bread. Bread priced at Rs 160 is not seen on their shelves. This is where the fearless Consumer Affairs Authority can get involved to compel all supermarkets to follow the rule.

Make it mandatory that bread priced at Rs 160 be sold alongside expensive bread in all supermarkets, bakeries and corner shops. Sumith De Silva