• Special focus on preventing affected food items from reaching consumers  
• Legal action taken over traders who clean and reshelve after repackaging 

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) stated they are continuing raids across the country to curb the sale of goods damaged by recent floods, and have already taken legal action against those involved.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the PHIU Secretary, D.S. Muthukuda said that PHIs  have taken into custody stocks of goods that were damaged during the floods, cleaned, and then put back on sale. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the relevant individuals, and further action will be taken against anyone found engaging in such practices

“Raids are ongoing in multiple locations, and steps are being taken to identify, seize, and destroy flood-damaged goods, particularly food items, to prevent them from reaching consumers. We also urge traders not to engage in such practices, as they put consumer health and even lives at risk,” he said.

The recent hazardous weather caused flooding in several Districts damaging  shops, warehouses, and storage facilities, leading to losses for traders and disrupting supply chains. Health authorities have warned that goods exposed to floodwater pose serious risks to public health. There have been reports that some individuals attempt to sell flood-damaged food items and other consumer goods after cleaning or repackaging them. The PHIU and the Consumer Affairs Authority have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases.