Over 18,000 Poson Dansals registered; PHIs step up inspections

Colombo, June 28 (Daily Mirror) - More than 18,000 Dansals have been registered across the country for the Poson Poya festival, with Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) intensifying inspections to ensure food safety and public health standards are maintained.

Accordingly, a total of 18,412 Dansals have been registered so far.

Public Health Inspectors’ Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda said inspections will be carried out at Dansals, while shops and temporary stalls located within Poson festival zones will also be inspected throughout the Poson week.

The PHI Union urged Dansal organisers to avoid using plastic when serving food and beverages, warning that storing hot or cold food in polythene bags poses serious health risks.

Organisers were also advised to strictly follow safe food handling practices to prevent foodborne illnesses during the festival.

He also warned that plastic cups and other disposable items used to serve beverages are often discarded carelessly, creating potential mosquito breeding sites, and urged the public to dispose of waste responsibly to help curb the spread of dengue.