Rotten food sneaks into markets after floods

• Over 3 million livestock estimated to have died-Market surveillance intensified
• Health officials seek public support
• Consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing food, particularly rice and meat, during this period

Colombo, Dec. 8 (Daily Mirror) - Health authorities are facing a massive challenge in preventing spoiled and unsafe food from reaching markets in the aftermath of the recent extreme weather conditions that caused widespread flooding across Sri Lanka.

With livestock farms in several districts washed away or severely damaged, many cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry have reportedly died. This prompts fears that some individuals may attempt to sell meat obtained from dead animals to unsuspecting buyers.

In addition to concerns over contaminated meat, health officials warn that crops, vegetables, grain stocks, rice, and other food supplies exposed to floodwaters could now be circulating in markets.

The risk of these items being repackaged, processed, or resold poses a serious threat to public health, they caution.

Over the weekend, Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) uncovered an illegal operation involving the processing and distribution of flood-damaged rice unfit for consumption in Harispattuwa, Kandy.

During the raid, officers seized 1,000 kilograms of contaminated rice, marking a concerning indication of similar attempts elsewhere.

Pradeep Boralessa, President of the Public Health Inspectors’ Union, said inspections and market surveillance have been intensified islandwide to curb such activities.

He urged businesses not to engage in the sale of flood-damaged products and reminded consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing food, particularly rice and meat, during this period.

“The situation requires strong public cooperation. The role of the public is pivotal in reporting suspicious food outlets or products,” Boralessa stressed.

As such, he requested anyone with information to contact their area PHI or the 24-hour Disaster Management Unit hotline of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media via 1926.