Traditional coconut oil processing from copra using kiln drying method is considered the most suitable method for Sri Lanka in terms of economic aspects. However, mold development and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) accumulation could occur if good practices are not followed. With the conundrum of some imported coconut oil consignments to Sri Lanka in early 2021, the authenticity of locally produced copra-based coconut oil was also questioned. A mixed-mode survey was conducted for 65 processors in the Kurunegala District to investigate the extent of following recommendations by processors on raw material handling and process control, with reference to good manufacturing practices (GMP). The study revealed that kiln drying and storage were not according to recommendations, bringing out the possibility of developing mold and production of aflatoxins in prolonged storage. Household-level processors were significantly (P<0.05) following good practices to avoid contamination coming from moldy copra in comparison to commercial-level processors. In addition, processors who target local and export markets followed recommendations on process control compared to processors who target only local market. An effective third-party regulatory process to authorize and improve the processing practices to ensure the quality and safety of coconut oil is identified as an utmost requirement.

Purpose: Lack of the consumer awareness on edible oil usage is an important question to be addressed since the awareness on preserving the quality of oil assists in preventing harmful health effects. The main objective of this study was to determine consumer awareness on storage conditions and proper usage to preserve the oil quality. Moreover, the study evaluated the consumers' awareness on the health effects of edible oils.Research Method: An online survey was conducted using 295 participants from North-Western and Western provinces, Sri Lanka. The data was analysed using-Pearson correlation, chi-square and factor analysis. Findings:The main findings suggested that a majority of respondents (96.6 %) used coconut oil as the frying oil. The respondents showed inadequate knowledge on proper storage: 12 % did not practice any precautionary storage methods, while 53 % of the respondents were particularly aware on common health effects and 58 % was aware on proper usage of oil. The results showed that consumers from North-Western and Western provinces in Sri Lanka were not sufficiently knowledgeable on proper storage of edible oil which can lead to adverse health effects.Research Limitations: It is beyond the scope of the study to address the awareness of the consumers on proper usage of oil in other provinces in Sri Lanka. Originality/ Value:The study facilitates identifying the misconduct of consumers in using edible oil and thereby obtains the status of consumer awareness on proper usage practices of edible oil.