Watch out for sand in your sugar

Santo Domingo.- The Consumer Protection Agency (Proconsumidor) yesterday warned of sand in sugar from Brazil, which is being sold in the country since July.

It said the Health Ministry notified the Dominican company, Casa Chepe SRL, which imported it, to recall the sugar brand "Canaria" from store shelves, because it’s not safe for consumers. It said the company agreed to te measure.

In a statement, Proconsumidor said after receiving at least 15 complaints from consumers and merchants on the tainted sugar, determined that it contained the insoluble materials silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate (sand) and cellulose fibers. "Silica is a common name for a compound of silicon and oxygen, a component of sand, disintegrated rock particles."

Proconsumidor said 14,000 metric tons were imported two months ago and were being sold since.