Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have uncovered a racket in which flood-damaged rice, unfit for human consumption, was being illegally processed and released to the market.
PHIs apprehended the suspects in the Harispattuwa area in the Kandy District, seizing 1,000 kilograms of the processed rice, according to Pradeep Boralessa, President of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Union.
Boralessa said officers are monitoring for similar fraudulent operations across the island and urged businesses not to engage in such practices. He also reminded the public to be vigilant when purchasing rice, particularly at this time.
The PHIs’ union requests anyone with information about such activities to inform the Public Health Inspector of their area. If that is not possible, the public may contact the 24-hour hotline of the Disaster Management Unit of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media on 1926.