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.
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