According to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization, 600 million people fall ill each year due to the impact of unsafe food, and 420,000 die annually.
In Sri Lanka, the Food Act of 1980 and the Sri Lanka Standards Institution play a significant role in food regulation.
However, due to the inadequacies in food safety laws, Sri Lanka faces even greater challenges, particularly regarding agricultural standards. Most Sri Lankan farmers are unaware of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Therefore, a new food safety policy and legislation are urgently needed.
Developed countries regularly monitor foodborne pathogens. In contrast, Sri Lanka often overlooks the threats posed by these pathogens. There is insufficient capacity to identify foodborne diseases such as Campylobacter, E. coli, cholera, and Hepatitis A.
Access to information and the ability to file complaints about unsafe food is a consumer right. You can contact the Consumer Affairs Authority at 0117 755 455 for assistance.
