Eyebrows raised over subpar food in school, hospital canteens

• PHIs intensify raids
• Complaints can be made to 0112112718
• Canteens are mandated to curb deep-fried, high-sugar, high-salt, and high-fat foods, as well as eliminate junk food offerings

 By Sheain Fernandopulle   

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.