Let the buyer beware

Food culprits on the loose; CAA chairman warns public

Following the ban of ‘Crystal’ and ‘K Choice’ bottled water earlier this week, the inspection of all bottled mineral water would be intensified, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said yesterday.

“There are many more trader, selling unhygienic and contaminated water sold in [plastic] bottles. Consumers need to be careful of what they buy from supermarkets, groceries, wholesale traders and all other food centres island-wide. This is the first time the CAAhas embarked on such a venture and we will be taking measures to carry out further inspections on such contaminated food items,” the Chairman of the CAA Rumy Marzook said.

Having received complaints of contaminated oil and the sale of expired food products, Marzook said that the CAA would be looking into those complaints as well.

Marzook further said that all consumers must check the expiry dates, batch numbers and the condition of packed goods before purchasing them. He said that when purchasing mineral water consumers should check if the bottles are All consumers must check expiry dates, batch numbers and the condition of packed goods before purchasing them sealed and the water clear and free of suspended particles.

He further said that it is safest to avoid the purchase of bottled water and drink clean boiled water at home.

“There are many errant traders who sell unhygienic water, date-expired food items and packaged food products that have been contaminated. I myself was a victim of contaminated food products. Parents should avoid giving their children coloured drinks as it is not known what chemicals are mixed in them. The public needs to be aware of this and they should immediately inform the relevant authorities like the CAA. It is only then that we can take the necessary action,” he said.

Marzook urged t he public to i nform t he CAA of such contaminated or date-expired food items via their hotline 2399146 or contact him directly on 0771088922.

“When such complaints are received we will take immediate measures to carry out the necessary investigations and respond within 48

hours,” he said.