Seasonal food under close scrutiny

by Carol Aloysius

With Christmas, round the corner the Health Ministry has stepped up its raids on food outlets islandwide to prevent vendors selling substandard food to consumers.

Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU), President Upul Rohana told the Sunday Observer that following the circular from the Food Administration Unit of the Health Ministry they were now stepping up raids on all food outlets for the festive season. "We have deployed food inspectors to the 330 MOH areas islandwide", he said. They will pay special attention on popular food served at this time of the year as well as cake ingredients such as flour, raisins, cherries, sugar, flavouring, colouring and additives.

The PHIU will also direct food handlers in all eating outlets to get themselves medically examined by a Western medicine qualified practitioner " This is compulsory under the amended Gazette of 2012", he said.

He said prepared food and shorteats will also come under close scrutiny. " We will also visit bakeries and places where food is prepared, to inspect their kitchens and ensure that the food served to customers is prepared under hygienic conditions. We call upon, the public to be specially vigilant when purchasing ready-made fruit drinks and packeted foods. Check the dates of manufacture and expiry dates on all your purchases", he said.

Any complaints about substandard food should be made to the nearest PHI or the PHIU office on 0712635675.