Guntur chilli exports to Sri Lanka have faced a setback after authorities there rejected several consignments citing violations of quality and food safety standards. Officials reportedly found higher-than-permitted levels of aflatoxin and moisture in chilli consignments shipped from Guntur.
Containers Rejected Over Quality Standards
Sri Lankan authorities reportedly found that the aflatoxin levels and moisture content in several chilli containers exceeded the prescribed limits. Due to the high moisture content, fungal growth was also detected, affecting the quality of the chilli.
Exporters were reportedly issued notices asking them to take back the rejected containers. The development has caused concern among Guntur chilli exporters, who fear further disruptions to shipments.
Exporters Hold Talks With Sri Lankan Authorities
Following the rejection of the consignments, representatives of Guntur chilli exporters travelled to Sri Lanka to discuss the issue with local authorities. The exporters are attempting to find a solution and ensure that future consignments do not face similar problems.
Ramakrishna, president of the Chilli Exporters Association, said authorities had identified excessive aflatoxin and moisture levels in some containers. He noted that foreign authorities had previously rejected chilli consignments from India over excessive pesticide residues.
Stricter Food Safety Checks After COVID-19
According to exporters, several countries have tightened their testing procedures for food products following the COVID-19 pandemic. Imported food products are being subjected to stricter quality and safety checks, with only consignments meeting the respective countries’ standards being permitted.
Exporters have advised farmers to reduce the use of pesticides and strictly follow recommended dosages and pre-harvest intervals to prevent excessive chemical residues.
Guntur Chilli Also Faced Rejection in China
The Sri Lankan incident is not the first recent quality-related setback for Guntur chilli exports. Exporters said that around two months ago, three containers of chilli exported to China were also rejected by authorities there over quality concerns.
These incidents have raised concerns among exporters about the need for greater attention to international food safety standards.
Proper Drying and Storage Crucial
Guntur chilli enjoys strong demand in international markets, but even minor quality issues can result in significant losses for exporters. Maintaining the right moisture level is particularly important, as excess moisture can lead to fungal growth and deterioration during storage and transportation.
Exporters have advised farmers and traders to properly dry chilli before storage, maintain appropriate moisture levels, follow safe storage practices and ensure that pesticide residues remain within permissible limits.
Quality Compliance Key to Protecting Export Market
The rejection of consignments in Sri Lanka highlights the growing importance of meeting international food safety standards. With importing countries becoming increasingly strict about aflatoxin, moisture levels and pesticide residues, maintaining consistent quality from cultivation to export will be crucial for protecting the reputation and market share of Guntur chilli in global markets.
