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Lunch special: Disease is the main course at Colombo’s eateries
View(s):By Anushiya Sathisraja
More than half the the samples tested during recent inspections of Colombo’s restaurants were contaminated, inspectors say. Most eateries used adulterated oil and milk as well, checks have shown. CMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ruwan Wijeyamuni said: “We inspected the food quality, standard of raw materials used, storage of food and the medical condition of workers of restaurants and small roadside restaurants. Over 250 samples were collected and 55 percent were contaminated.”
Dr. Wijeyamuni said street vendors selling cut fruit and unrefrigerated juices are trying to make a quick buck disregarding food hygiene. CMC Chief Food Inspector Lal Kumara said many food sellers cooked in bulk and excess food was sometimes stored even up to a week. The food is then reheated to be served again.
He said the CMC had advised restaurants and eateries to build open kitchens so that diners could watch their order being prepared. Food made to order would also be a good practice, he adds.
Dr. Wijeyamuni noted inspectors had witnessed unclean eggs at restaurants with poultry droppings on their shells. “Most eateries do not wash the eggs. If the eggs are not washed, food can get contaminated.” The incidence of food-borne diseases has risen in the city.