Awareness programme on standards of consumer goods to implemented in future

A mechanism to create awareness among the public on the standards of vegetables, fruits, and coconut oil that is being sold in the market, will be implemented in future, Health Minister (Dr.) Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday (Apr 02).

Convening a press briefing , Minister Senaratne noted that a special survey has been conducted in order to determine the quality of ingredients and the chemicals used in the preparation of foods. The contents of this survey will be divulged to the public in near future, he said.

Mr. Senaratne also said that special 'Safe Food' weeks will be declared in April and December in line with the Avurudu and Christmas seasons respectively.

The first 'Safe Food' week will run from April 01 to 07 during which food outlets would be inspected while awareness programmes will also be conducted regarding the quality of consumer goods that is being sold in the market.

Food manufacturing companies, hotels, bakeries, supermarkets, and retails shops which sell consumer goods will be subjected to inspection from Monday to Wednesday during these weeks. Public canteens, kiosks, canteens in state institutions will be inspected on Thursdays, the Health Minister noted.

On the same lines, he added that the law would be enforces on food outlets which sell unhygenic food to the public.

(Reporting by Damith Wickramasekara)