Public Health Inspectors (PHI) have launched a special island-wide operation to ensure food safety during the festive season.

According to the Public Health Inspectors’ Union of Sri Lanka, legal action has been filed against 817 food outlets following inspections carried out since 1 April.

Union President K A P Boralessa said a total of 967 food-related raids have been conducted, with 2,300 Public Health Inspectors participating in the ongoing programme.

So far, 11,064 establishments have been inspected, while 3,045 food items have been taken into custody. Authorities have also destroyed 2,299 unfit food items as part of the operation.

The PHI Union noted that inspections and enforcement activities will continue across the country.