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Thriposha Co. denies aflatoxins in titular supplement

22 Sep 2022

  • Notes aflatoxins above standard limits in imported Indian maize, but destruction of such stocks exceeding certain range 
BY Dinitha Rathnayake    The Sri Lanka Thriposha Ltd. company denied claims that aflatoxins – a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that are found in agricultural crops such as maize/corn – were found in Thriposha – a nutritional supplement given free to low-income pregnant women, mothers, and infants – and is to publicly release a report attesting to the same today (22).  Speaking to The Morning, Sri Lanka Thriposha Ltd. Chairman Deepthi Kularathna denied such claims, adding that a report would be issued today following a meeting held with Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in this regard yesterday (21). “We normally find aflatoxins in maize and last November, too, we found aflatoxins in maize that were imported from India, exceeding the range for breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women, for whom the range shouldn’t exceed 30 parts per billion (PPB). For children below three years of age and children who are malnourished, the range is one PPB. We do our production under the Director of Food and Drug Control of the Health Ministry and we never use ingredients that are harmful to consumers.”  According to Kularathna, maize with aflatoxins exceeding the range of 80 PPB is destroyed immediately without being used for production. He also said that Thriposha was not delivered to children for eight months due to the shortage of soya and maize. “Public Health Inspectors’ (PHIs) Union Head Upul Rohana is referring to a document released by the Director of Food and Drug Control three months ago, mentioning the range of PPB, which could be used for protection. We never asked mothers to return the Thriposha unless the date of expiration is recent.” Several health unions have, however, alleged that risky levels of aflatoxins were found in Thriposha. Meanwhile, Rambukwella, responding to allegations made by Rohana, said in Parliament that there is no threat in Thriposha. Taking up the allegations in the Parliament sessions held yesterday, Rambukwella said that he would take legal action against the unions.  


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