December 08, Colombo (LNW): In anticipation of the busy festive season, the Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) has rolled out an extensive inspection programme aimed at ensuring the safety and hygiene of food and beverages sold in high-traffic areas.
The initiative, which comes as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, will see inspectors conducting thorough checks on food vendors and establishments across the country.
Upul Rohana, president of the PHIU, revealed that approximately 1,750 Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have been mobilised to carry out this crucial task.
The inspection programme will cover a wide range of locations, including popular shopping districts, markets, and other busy areas where people are likely to gather during the festive period.
In addition to monitoring food safety in such high-traffic locations, the union has highlighted that inspections will also extend to the raw materials used in food preparation.
This measure aims to ensure that the ingredients used in festive treats meet health and safety standards, helping to prevent any potential foodborne illnesses during the celebrations.
Since the start of December, PHIs have already carried out over 150 surprise raids across the country. These inspections have focused on identifying health and safety violations, with a particular emphasis on food hygiene, sanitation, and the proper storage of ingredients.
Rohana emphasised the importance of these inspections, noting that the festive season often sees a surge in food-related activities, making it even more critical to monitor vendors and food outlets to ensure they adhere to strict health standards.
The PHIU president reassured the public that the inspections are being carried out diligently, with the goal of providing peace of mind to consumers and promoting food safety during one of the most popular times of the year.
