Toxicity inspection of imported Dried Fish, Sprats,  and fruits from 1st June

It is reported that during the National Food Safety Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health’s Food Control Unit during 2021-2022, heavy metals and arsenic have been found in some stocks of dried fruits, sprats, and fruits imported to Sri Lanka.

It is also stated that it has been revealed that some stocks of imported fruits contain large amounts of lead which is a heavy metal.

As this situation is harmful to public health, it is also stated in the Ministry of Health press release that the inspection of heavy metal and arsenic levels in the import of dried fruits, sprats,  and fruits, and the inspection of lead, a heavy metal contained in imported fruits, will be made mandatory from June 1, 2023.

Also, the food control unit of the Ministry of Health has informed them that when importing dried fish and sprats to Sri Lanka, they should make sure that only food liquids that do not contain excessive amounts of heavy metals and arsenic in the case of fruits are imported. The announcement also mentions that the Food Control Unit has also introduced a special telephone number for the trading community or consumers to inquire about these issues. That number is 0112112718.

More information on this can be obtained from the Deputy Director General of Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Food Health of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Thilak Siriwardena through telephone number -0714499222.