Sri Lanka rejects Indian chilli shipments over quality concerns

Sri Lankan authorities have rejected multiple consignments of chilli exported from the Guntur region of Andhra Pradesh, India, citing failures to meet strict quality and food safety standards.

Reports indicate that the rejected shipments contained high levels of aflatoxins and excessive moisture content. Excessive moisture is a particular concern as it can lead to fungal growth, posing health risks. In response to these findings, Sri Lankan standards authorities have tightened quality requirements to protect local consumers and maintain food safety benchmarks.

The rejections represent a significant setback for exporters in Guntur, a major hub for the Indian spice trade. Industry stakeholders and exporters are currently engaging in discussions with authorities to resolve the issues and reassess compliance measures. This development follows similar quality-related rejections of Indian chilli shipments by China earlier this year.