Banned coconut oil in food kit distributed to tribals by govt; complains of food poisoning

IDUKKI: There are complaints of food poisoning after using the coconut oil distributed by the government. Banned coconut oil was included in the food kit distributed to tribals of Idukki by the state government. The oil used to cook food led to the food poisoning.

‘The kit contained the banned coconut oil ‘Kerala Sugandhi’ packet of one liter. Soon after the complaint was raised, the Adivasi Coordination Committee and ITDP officials sent the coconut oil for testing.

Meantime, the explanation of the tribal extension officer is that it is not clear whether the coconut oil itself is the cause of the health problem and that they are waiting for the test results. The kits were distributed by government approved agencies. The complaint was raised now that banned coconut oil was given. The fact of this is also being verified. Contagious fever was reported in the area earlier. The tribal extension officer said the health department is still investigating in this regard.