June 27, Colombo (LNW): Amid rising public discontent and complaints regarding the poor quality of food served in school and hospital canteens, Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are intensifying their efforts with increased inspections nationwide.
Upul Rohana, President of the PHI Union, highlighted the widespread dissatisfaction with the food standards.
He disclosed that the PHIs have been inundated with complaints about the substandard quality of meals being provided.
According to the School Canteen Policy guidelines, canteens are required to limit deep-fried, high-sugar, high-salt, and high-fat foods, as well as eliminate junk food.
However, reports indicate a lack of enforcement, prompting PHIs to take decisive action.
The PHIs are committed to ensuring adherence to food quality standards through comprehensive inspections and raids, Rohana asserted.
There have been delays in taking necessary actions against non-compliant canteens in an ‘extremely slow’ progress, a report by Daily Mirror disclosed, citing comments from a non-disclosed senior Health Ministry official.
The official urged the public to report any issues directly to Medical Officers of Health (MOH) and encouraged the use of the hotline 0112112718 to lodge complaints regarding substandard food quality in canteens.
