Scrutiny of high-risk restaurants and retailers begins

Food hygiene and consumer goods will be checked by public health officials ahead of Christmas and New Year.

Public Health Inspectors say they will begin inspections of restaurants, food vendors, and shops from tomorrow.

The PHI’s Association’s M. G Upul Rohana, told the Sunday Times that 1,750 PHI’s will be sent out in 342 divisions islandwide to check food safety. They will raid markets and food outlets.

“We will give special attention to labelling and expiry dates and price tags as some vendors would sell expired products, to clear old stock,” he said.

Mr Rohana warned people to be mindful of the food that they eat as there is a possibility of waterborne diseases spreading due to the heavy rains.

He advises people to eat cooked meals and drink only boiled water.

The Consumer Aff a i r s Authority ( CAA) has already sent teams to investigate vendors.

The Director General as well as the CEO of the authority, M. S. M. Fauzer told the Sunday

Times, inspectors have been told to work during the Christmas season to carry out spot checks, raids of markets, business areas, shopping complexes, and retail and wholesale shops.

He said that they will check apparel and electronic shops as they suspect that most merchants sell expired products at higher prices.

“We are looking into all products and even consumer items,’’ he said.

Raids will be carried out once every three days covering all 25 districts.

Officers will also visit homes in selected areas to distribute leaflets to inform people to avoid merchants who adulterate goods.

Meanwhile, the Colombo Municipal Council too has planned market raids in the Fort and Pettah areas from December 15.

The Chief Medical Officer of Colombo Municipal Council, Dr Ruwan Wijemuni, said three teams of 50 PHI’s and MOH staff will move against vendors who sell food unsuitable for human consumption.