Adulteration in rice; buyers be aware: Godown sealed in Thiruvananthapuram

PALODE: A complaint has been raised against a rice godown in Papanamcode, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, alleging that low-quality rice was being washed, whitened, and repackaged into branded sacks and sold at higher prices. Following a protest by locals and laborers, the Civil Supplies Department seized the rice sacks and sealed the godown. A report regarding the incident has been submitted to the District Collector. It is reported that rice under the brand name 'Apple' was distributed from this godown to the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.

A total of 435 sacks of both old and new rice were seized and moved to the Supplyco godown under the leadership of Taluk Supply Officer A. Sreelatha.Further clarification is awaited from the quality controller's inspection, particularly to determine whether the rice could pose any health hazards. There is also suspicion that rice sourced from other states at a cost of just Rs 1 or Rs 2 per kilogram was being mixed and distributed in addition to ration rice.

Officials stated that the building had been rented by a person named Shahrukh, a native of Valikode, Nedumangad, but no further information is available about him. The godown was reportedly started under the name 'AMS Trading Company' about a month ago. The issue came to light when locals blocked a truck that was being loaded with rice sacks late at night and informed the police.