Two men and six women are currently in police custody for allegedly using tyres to smoke cowhides, locally called “cow canda”.
The accused persons were arrested in an early morning raid, while in the act at a deserted place behind the slaughterhouse in Abuko today.
The operation was jointly conducted by officials of the Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA) and the Police, who were acting on a tip-off from a concerned consumer.
Efforts are already underway to issue corrective measures that will serve as a deterrent to the alleged offenders.
Food Safety and Quality Authority is continuing with its unalloyed resolve to clamp down on non-compliant Food Business Operators, and this will be a success with the support of the public by advancing complaints to the 1299 hotline.
Research has shown that chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals that are found in rubber crumbs have been identified as harmful to human health and the environment.
This is a developing story.
By Etheine Sylva, Communication Officer, FSQA