Vesak dansalas in Colombo to be registered [May 15 2016]

By Carol Aloysius

As Colombo readies for the upcoming Vesak, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has called upon food dansal organisers, to first register with it.

"Our main office at the Town Hall, and all six MOH offices in the city have forms which they can fill, furnishing the relevant details regarding their dansalas.

Our Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and Food Inspectors will inspect the dansalas and ensure that they adhere to our guidelines" Chief Food Inspector, CMC Lal Kumara told the Sunday Observer.

He said CMC food officials would check the source of water and stressed they should only use water from the main lines which was safe. The surrounding areas of the dansalas will also be inspected to ensure its suitability to serve food to the public.

"We have already advised dansal organisers to use disposable cups and plates, if possible and have garbage bags and bins nearby to dispose of them. We have also told them to ensure the personal hygiene of their food handlers. Hundred percent food hygiene must be maintained at all times. Hence, all dansalas will be under our supervision," Kumara said.

As there was a variety of food dansalas - which served rice and curry, kola kende, bathala, green gram, kadala, fruits and fruit juice and ice cream, he said they would be advised accordingly.

"PHIs will pay special attention to cooking utensils, ingredients used and the manner of cooking. They should avoid buying spoilt vegetables. Manioc must be bought whole and the skin should not be chipped . They should not be green in colour and should be cooked on open fires, as it contains glucocynide which has an adverse effect on health if the vegetable is not fresh or cooked properly," he said.

He said gram and rice should be washed well, free of weevils, and cooked for at least half an hour to eliminate bacillus serveus (bacteria) found mostly in grains.

There were over 700 dansalas last year in Colombo, and the CMC expects the number to exceed this year with more people visiting the city to see the pandals and illuminations. All PHIs of the Food Unit, Health Ministry and Food Inspectors will be on duty on both Vesak nights, he said.