CAA detects 104 violations in polythene raids

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has detected 104 violations during a special countrywide raid and market inspection programme targeting lunch sheets and LDPE/LLDPE “sili-sili” bags.

Preliminary reports from CAA district offices show that the violations were detected in 22 districts during inspections conducted on September 15. Around 43 cases involved lunch sheets, while 58 concerned “sili-sili” bags and three involved other polythene products.

The CAA said lunch sheets and food wrappers must comply with prescribed labelling requirements under Direction No. 70, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2151/58 dated November 29, 2019.

Stocks of lunch sheets that failed to meet the requirements were found in several districts and taken into custody as case productions for legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, under Direction No. 95, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2456/41 dated October 1, 2025, LDPE/LLDPE “sili-sili” bags cannot be provided free of charge to consumers.

Where such bags are provided, their prices must be clearly displayed at the business premises, and any amount charged must be included in the customer’s bill.

The CAA said follow-up investigations would be conducted along the supply chain, including suppliers, distributors and manufacturers, with legal action to be taken where violations are established.

Goods taken into custody will be produced before the relevant courts, while raids and market inspections targeting lunch sheets and “sili-sili” bags will continue across the country.