Public urged to complain without fear against dirty eateries

Colombo, Feb. 17 (Daily Mirror) - Health officials say their hands are often tied when it comes to taking action against unhygienic food outlets, as many customers who raise concerns on social media fail to lodge formal complaints.

The issue came into focus following a viral video in which a diner claimed he found what appeared to be a small snake-like head in a rice and curry meal at the Pilawoos restaurant in Bambalapitiya. The video triggered widespread public concern and debate over food safety standards.

However, a senior health official told the Daily Mirror that despite the attention the video received, the individual involved has not made an official complaint.

“Even though there was a big noise on social media, the person concerned has not lodged a formal complaint. This makes it difficult for us to proceed with certain legal actions,” the official said.

Despite this, Public Health Inspectors visited the restaurant after the video surfaced and collected food samples for laboratory testing. Officials said further action would depend on the test results.

The restaurant management has denied the allegation, maintaining that such an incident could not have occurred at their premises. Authorities had also taken legal action against the same outlet weeks earlier over separate hygiene concerns in a kitchen area under construction.

Health officials emphasised that while social media can help highlight potential issues, formal complaints with evidence are crucial to carry out proper investigations and take legal action.

"We cannot easily take legal action against unhygienic restaurants unless affected customers file formal complaints. In the Pilawoos incident, despite a viral video, no complaint was lodged, though inspections and sample testing are underway," an official said.

As such, the public can report hygiene concerns by contacting the food safety unit on 011-2676161, available from 8 am to 10 pm and providing relevant details and evidence to support investigations.