PHIs checking food for Melamine get threatening phone calls

Shirley Wijesinghe

COLOMBO: Public Health Inspectors who inspected supermarkets and groceries for food products allegedly contaminated with Melamine had received anonymous telephone calls threatening them, Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam told the Daily News yesterday.

Explaining the situation which had risen after inspecting supermarkets and groceries, Dr. Kariyawasam said the Public Health Department had received a fax from the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry requesting to inspect items in supermarkets and grocery stores and boutiques.

"Officers began inspections at a leading supermarket where media personnel had even taken photographs," he said.

Dr. Kariyawasam said among the photographs were pictures of officials inspecting chocolate products.

"The next day an officer engaged in inspecting items received anonymous telephone calls," he said.

The mobile phone numbers have been noted and a complaint has been lodged at the Maradana police station, Dr. Kariyawasam said.

"Inspectors have the right to inspect any food item stored in any place under the Food Act, he said.

"A threat of this nature is a first, but this will not deter officers from carrying out their duties," Dr. Kariyawasam said.