Sudan’s SSMO warns against carcinogenic candies in South Darfur

December 5, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) has warned parents of students and school principals in South Darfur state against purchase of candies containing carcinogenic substances.

The SSMO cautioned in a statement obtained by Sudan Tribune schools’ principals and parents against the dangers of carcinogenic candies sold in the commercial markets particularly in groceries close to primary schools in South Darfur capital of Nyala.

Last July, authorities in South Darfur destroyed 35 tonnes of expired and rotten goods including candies containing carcinogenic substances.

The SSMO underscored the existence of several types of candies coated with the carcinogenic plastic crystal substance in the groceries, pointing that most of the families are not aware of the danger of these candies.

It added that several toys which are being bought by children also contain carcinogenic substances.

The SSMO demanded that the immediately inform the concerned authorities if they see these candies and toys in the markets or groceries in the neighborhoods of Nyala, asking schools principals to warn the students against dangers posed by these candies on their health.

It explained that these candies take the form of a grain of rice and are packed in vials or bags resembling fruit colored grapes in order to entice children.

Last April, the finance ministry in the state of Khartoum warned the public against existence of candies containing carcinogenic substance in the markets and the consumer affairs department at the ministry confiscated 150 bags of candy called light kindle.

(ST)