Three Chinese food businesses in Colombo, including two restaurants operating at a popular shopping mall and an ice cream company, have been fined a total of Rs. 444,000 over 148 food safety violations.
The fines were imposed by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on Friday (13), following legal action initiated after inspections conducted by Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) attached to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).
- Two Chinese restaurants fined Rs. 360,000
The two Chinese restaurants, located inside a popular shopping mall in Colombo, were fined a combined Rs. 360,000 after being found guilty of 120 charges relating to violations of food safety regulations.
During surprise inspections, PHIs discovered imported food products being sold and used for consumption without proper labelling.
Inspectors also recovered stocks of expired food items from the establishments.
Following the inspections, legal action was taken against the two companies operating the restaurants.
The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court subsequently imposed fines totalling Rs. 360,000 on the two businesses.
- Chinese ice cream company fined Rs. 84,000
In a separate case, a Chinese ice cream company was fined Rs. 84,000 after pleading guilty to 28 charges, including selling ice cream that failed to meet required quality standards.
The violations were identified after PHIs collected ice cream samples and submitted them to the CMC’s City Analyst for laboratory testing.
The tests revealed that the samples did not comply with the required standards, prompting legal action against the company.
The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court imposed the fine after the company admitted guilt to all 28 charges.
The three businesses were collectively fined Rs. 444,000 over 148 charges following the inspections carried out by Colombo Municipal Council PHIs.
The names of the businesses and the shopping mall were not disclosed in the information provided. (Newswire)