PHIs on alert to stop disaster-hit meat entering markets : One-week meat ban imposed in Mannar

• The ban, effective from December 3, covers the sale, storage, and slaughter of beef, mutton, and pork within the district

A one-week ban on the sale of meat has been imposed in the Mannar District following the death of large numbers of livestock during recent floods.   

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Union, Pradeep Boralassa, said the ban, effective from December 3, covers the sale, storage, and slaughter of beef, mutton, and pork within the district. The measure aims to prevent meat from animals that died in the disaster from entering the market for human consumption, a statement from PHI union said.   

Public Health Inspectors across the country have been placed on alert to monitor and prevent the illegal transport or sale of such meat. Members of the public who notice any suspicious activity are urged to inform their area PHI or contact the Health Ministry’s Disaster Management Unit through the 24-hour hotline 1926.