The Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Association has urged organisers of Poson dansals to avoid using plastic and polythene when serving food and beverages, warning of health and environmental risks.
Acting President of the Sri Lanka PHI Association Upul Rohana said a large number of dansals have already been registered for the upcoming Poson festival, with registrations exceeding those recorded for Vesak. He added that the highest number of registered dansals is in the North Central Province.
Rohana said health authorities will closely inspect dansals serving hot food and beverages in plastic or polythene containers.
“Storing hot and cold food in polythene is extremely risky. We urge all dansal organisers to pay close attention to this,” he said.
He also warned that discarded plastic cups and containers could contribute to the spread of dengue.
“We have seen during previous festivals, particularly at coffee and beverage dansals, that used cups are discarded everywhere. These containers can collect water and become breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes, so we urge the public and organisers to dispose of them responsibly,” Rohana said. (Newswire)