The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has instituted legal proceedings against SPAR SL (PRIVATE) LIMITED for selling an expired packet of tea to a consumer. After the defendant company pleaded guilty, the Colombo No. 05 Magistrate’s Court imposed a fine of Rs. 200,000.During an investigation, CAA officers had found that a 400g packet of tea bearing an expiry date of July 15, 2026 had been sold for Rs. 1,000.

Legal action was taken in relation to the violation of Direction No. 52, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 1875/38 dated August 15, 2014.Under Direction No. 52, manufacturers, importers, distributors, suppliers and traders must not keep, store or collect goods identified as unsuitable for sale, expired or unfit for human consumption together with, adjacent to, or among other goods offered or displayed for sale.

When the case was taken up before Court, SPAR SL (PRIVATE) LIMITED pleaded guilty, following which the court had imposed a fine of Rs. 200,000.

Consumers are advised to remain vigilant, check the expiry date before purchasing food and beverage products. Obtain and retain a proper bill or receipt after making a purchase.
Consumers are further urged to inform the CAA of information regarding the sale of expired or otherwise unsuitable goods, through the 1977 Consumer Hotline during office hours.