Ensure safe food and water at dansalas

by Carol Aloysius

Volunteers setting up dansalas for Vesak have been asked to ensure that the food and water they serve is safe and meets health standards. “We have told them to ensure that the food is uncontaminated and fresh”.

“If they use polluted water and spoilt vegetables and fruits the meals and drinks they serve will be sub-standard and those consuming it will end up with diarrhoea, dysentery and other bowel diseases. This will negate any benefits from this meritorious deed“, Assistant Director, Food Control Administrative Unit, Ministry of Health, K. Thillakeratne told the Sunday Observer. He said that personal hygiene of all food handlers at dansalas should be strictly enforced. “There should be accountability and responsibility on their part”, he said.

He said that the sites where dansalas are being set up should be clean and mud free, and guests be provided with temporary protection from rain, clean tables and running water to wash their hands. “Our MOHs and PHIs will offer advice to anyone setting up a dansala. Those seeking this free advice should contact the MOH and PHI in their areas.”

Several food inspectors are inspecting the premises of those who had contacted them, he said.

Consumer Affairs Authority sources also said that they were conducting sudden raids to check ready-made food in eating outlets in the city to ensure that the food was safe.