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Islandwide inspections to ensure food safety during the season
View(s):By Nidarshani Wickramasinghe
Nearly 10,000 cases have been filed islandwide under the Food Act for various offenses during the period from April 1 to April 9, The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association said.
The Association’s Vice President Nishantha Gamage, said that a majority of these offences were related to the failure to include accurate information on product labels and the lack of proper hygiene in business premises.
He said that special raids will continue to be carried out across the island in the coming days during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season to ensure food safety.
In line with the festive season, it had been decided to conduct inspections from April 01 to April 20, covering 14,022 Grama Niladhari divisions, to ensure that food provided to the public is safe. For this purpose, 355 Medical Officers of Health (MOH) offices and local government institutions such as Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas will be involved. A total of 2,424 Public Health Inspectors (PHIs), along with Medical Officers of Health and Food Inspectors, will carry out special raids and inspections.
Special attention is also being given to prevent the re-polishing and reintroduction into the market of rice, grains, and dried food items that were affected by Cyclone Ditwah, as well as preventing the sale of substandard food products.
Public Health Inspector Sandun Hemantha Rathnayake highlighted that due to the prevailing high temperatures, food products may expire sooner than the indicated expiry date.
Therefore, he emphasised that consumers should pay close attention to expiry dates, as well as the smell and colour of food, before purchasing and consuming them.
“During these inspections, eateries located at long-distance bus stands and restaurants along the way are also being specially checked. We advise consumers not to eat uncovered food sold at low prices along roadsides or in eateries. Especially when buying sweets, always check the label. Not only the expiry date, but also whether the manufacturer’s name, address, and contact number are mentioned.”
Generally, foods like yogurt should be stored at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. When purchasing rice, chili powder, and oil, they should be carefully inspected, he said.
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