(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Food Control Administration Unit of the Ministry of Health has decided to completely ban the practice of handling prepared food by hand when selling to consumers. The ban will take effect from 1st of May, the state TV Rupavahini reported.
Food suppliers and restaurants, or mobile food vendors will be strictly forbidden from serving or selling ready-to-eat food by bare hand.
The local and district health authorities have been advised to inform the general public regarding the ban. The ban will be implemented in the next three months as a national program.
A program will be implemented to educate children not to accept the food that are touched by the vendors. Arrangements have been made to start the program from the school cafeterias.
The Ministry of Health says that from the 1st of May legal action will be taken against those who violate guidelines.
