SL not affected by E-coli outbreak

6 June 2011 05:31 pm

By Gandhya Senanayake

The outbreak of the dreaded E-Coli in Europe will not affect Sri Lanka as all imports including vegetables and fruits are being inspected by health officials and not released until the necessary health certificates are issued, the Health Ministry said yesterday.

Ministry spokesman W.M.D Wanninayake told Daily Mirror online that Sri Lankans are concerned with food safety, and this would help prevent the spread of the E Coli bacteria.

He said most European countries consumed raw or undercooked food as part of their diet and this contributed to an attack of E Coli but Sri Lanka food is properly cooked which kills the bacteria.

According to international media reports EHEC bacteria (enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli) outbreak has killed 22 people and has affected more than 2,200 across Europe. (Daily Mirror online)