1,800 PHIs deployed to ensure traders, food outlets provide safe food

Public Health Inspectors Union President Upul Rohana said that nearly 1,800 PHIs have been deployed covering all MOH divisions for special duties to ensure that traders and food outlets provide safe food to the public during the upcoming festive season.

Rohana said special attention is paid to the food produced for the festive season, the raw materials used for food production and especially about the quality of fruits like bananas which are in high demand.

“If any need arises, samples of these food items will be sent to either the Government Analysts or other accredited experts. Legal action will be taken in accordance with the Food Act No. 26 of 1980 if any legal violations are reported”, he added.

He said in particular, hotels, restaurants and bakeries located near cities where people flock to buy goods will be strictly inspected. Rohana went on to say some stored food items may have got contaminated due to the recent rains and floods and attempts might be made by some unscrupulous traders to sell these foods to the public during festive season.

“We have planned to continue this campaign even after the festive season with the aim of preventing contaminated food and food that can cause some diseases to be given to the public”.

Rohana said his department has received information that some vendors are selling toxic coconut oil and diluting coconut oil with other substitutes and also using harmful chemicals to preserve bananas.

“Strict legal action will be taken if such a situation is reported”, he added. Rohana also said if people have any complaints, they can go to the nearest MOH office or find the PHI’s phone numbers by visiting website www.phi.lk

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