April 16, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have launched widespread enforcement measures against hundreds of traders following a series of inspections carried out across the country in preparation for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations.
According to officials from the Public Health Inspectors’ Union, more than 400 vendors are now facing legal proceedings after being found in violation of food safety regulations. These actions stem from an extensive operation conducted over nearly two weeks, during which inspectors visited upwards of 12,000 retail outlets as part of close to 2,000 coordinated inspection drives.
The investigations uncovered numerous breaches, including the sale of food prepared or stored in unhygienic environments, as well as the circulation of expired consumables. Authorities expressed concern that such practices could pose serious health risks to the public, particularly during periods of heightened consumer activity.
Officials also indicated that this enforcement campaign is far from over. Similar inspection efforts are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, especially as the country approaches the Vesak and Poson festive periods, when food sales typically surge.
The union emphasised that maintaining food safety standards remains a priority, warning traders to adhere strictly to regulations or face further legal consequences.