Eyebrows raised over subpar food in school, hospital canteens

27 June 2024 06:24 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5

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Colombo, June 27 (Daily Mirror) - In light of mounting public outcry and complaints regarding the substandard quality of food served in school and hospital canteens, Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are stepping up their efforts with intensified raids across the country.

Upul Rohana, head of the PHI Union, speaking to Daily Mirror, highlighting numerous grievances about the quality of meals provided. "We've received a flood of complaints citing inferior food standards," Rohana stated.

“Under the School Canteen Policy guidelines, canteens are mandated to curb deep-fried, high-sugar, high-salt, and high-fat foods, as well as eliminate junk food offerings. Despite these regulations, reports suggest a lax approach in enforcement, prompting PHIs to take matters into their own hands,” he stressed.

In response, PHIs have mobilised to conduct thorough inspections and raids in school and hospital canteens nationwide. "We are ramping up our efforts to ensure compliance with food quality standards," Rohana pointed out.

Meanwhile, a senior official from the Health Ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged delays in enforcing necessary actions against such canteens, describing progress as "at a snail's pace."

As such, the official urged the public to directly report any concerns to Medical Officers of Health (MOH).

Furthermore, the public is encouraged to lodge complaints directly at 0112112718 when they encounter substandard food quality in canteens.

Comments - 5

Lawry Thursday, 27 June 2024 07:53 AM

Food provided in government hospital wards in an insult to Sri Lankan generosity. Always dished out by the most crude hospital attendants. The excellent services by nurses is in far contrast to these low class idiots. Quality of food is very low. We don't give that to beggars.

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Tissa Fernando Thursday, 27 June 2024 08:04 AM

I told you guys that Susil Premachandra's school lunch will only benefit canteen and grocery owners who will use expired food to feed the children. This is a massive fraud committed by them.

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Dee Thursday, 27 June 2024 08:23 AM

In reality, non deep fried, low fat , low protein, low sugar/salt food is considered low quality, substandard. The size of some of the kids (and parents) wobbling along to school is proof of the ‘high quality’ food they take. In general the ‘rice’ (fried part dropped for health reasons) pack is like the national meal, full of oil, msg and all the junk. The ‘kottu’ is the favorite craving of adults and the ‘pasty’ craved by kids. And for the new generation office crowd, a sugar and flavor loaded drink in a paper cup to slurp away is a fashion statement itself!

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Sokrates Thursday, 27 June 2024 08:49 AM

Pay more money and you get better food.

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Dinesh Thursday, 27 June 2024 09:58 AM

This was predicted as soon as the RW severed the first meal to the children. All the official from the minister to the bottom get kick backs to look the other way. This is the traditional culture of politics in Sri Lanka

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