Health authorities are facing a major challenge in preventing spoiled and unsafe food from entering markets following the recent extreme weather and widespread flooding across Sri Lanka.
Many livestock farms in several districts have been washed away or severely damaged, resulting in the deaths of cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry. Officials fear that some individuals may attempt to sell meat from dead animals to unsuspecting consumers.
Beyond concerns about contaminated meat, health officials warn that crops, vegetables, grain stocks, rice, and other food items exposed to floodwaters may now be circulating in the market. They caution that these products could be repackaged, processed, or resold, posing a significant public health risk.
Over the weekend, Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) uncovered an illegal operation in Harispattuwa, Kandy, where flood-damaged rice unfit for consumption was being processed and distributed. Officers seized 1,000 kilograms of contaminated rice, raising concerns of similar attempts occurring elsewhere.
Pradeep Boralessa, President of the Public Health Inspectors’ Union, said that inspections and market surveillance have been intensified islandwide to prevent such activities. He urged businesses not to sell flood-damaged products and advised consumers to be cautious when buying food, especially rice and meat.
“The situation requires strong public cooperation. The public plays a crucial role in reporting suspicious food outlets or products,” Boralessa emphasized.
He requested anyone with relevant information to contact their local PHI or the 24-hour Disaster Management Unit hotline of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media via 1926.
