69 Quintals of Contaminated Chili Pepper Destroyed in Addis Ababa

The Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority has destroyed 69 quintals of contaminated chili pepper valued at over 6 million Birr in the Kolfe Keraniyo sub-city. Laboratory tests confirmed the product contained dangerous levels of aflatoxin, a mold-derived toxin capable of causing cancer. The seizure occurred following tips from the public, leading to the arrest of a suspect who was operating without proper certification. Authorities confirmed that the destroyed batch was unfit for human consumption. Officials are now investigating whether the suspect had previously distributed similar contaminated goods and have urged the public to report suspicious food safety issues via the 8864 toll-free line.