E.coli no threat to Lanka

Hemanthi Guruge

The Health Ministry yesterday assured that there was no threat to Sri Lanka from the E.coli bacteria which killed over 17 people in Europe.

A ministry spokesman said that the bacteria is widely spreading through the European region.

"E coli bacteriais suspected to spread with the consumption of raw vegetables such as cucumber. Sri Lanka does not import fresh vegetables from European countries," the spokesman said. All imported food items are checked at the custom. If tests prove that the products are not up to quality, the products will not be released," he said.

He also said that the bacteria is spread through the consumption of raw vegetables and Sri Lankans are used to eating cooked vegetables. Over 17 people in European countries have been died of E.coli.

E.coli is believed to be transmitted through the consumption of raw vegetables.