KOCHI: The test conducted by CFRD in Ranni has revealed that the papads in the Onam kit distributed by Supplyco lacked necessary quality. While the required moisture percentage of papad is 12.5, the papad in the kit had 16.06% likewise the maximum pH of papad is 8.50 but the papad in the Onam kit had 9.20. There was also difference in the measurement of sodium carbonate, instead of 2.3 it was 2.4.

With this, the authorities have initiated steps to take back the poor quality papads. The director of the quality assurance department has ordered to send back the substandard papads and directed to provide the total account of what is sold and bought.

Stringent actions will be taken against the firms in Tamil Nadu which supplied the papads. Earlier, controversies were raised saying that the papads in the kit were from Tamil Nadu. The firms in Kerala facing a general lull due to the lock down were ignored and the order was given to Tamil Nadu firms triggered the controversy.

In the flash inspection conducted by the vigilance it was found that the items in the kit differed in both quality and quantity. The things like manufactured date and the packing date were not clear. Similarly, the jaggery in the kit also lacked necessary quality. Owing to the issues raised, later jaggery was replaced with sugar.