It is now three days since the Sinhala Hindu New Year. There is no talk of poisonous coconut oil in the society a year ago.
Everything is in shape that has gone quiet with the dawn of the year. Or one might think that this poisonous coconut oil conversation arose to prevent public outcry over a number of items that had been sold for years. We are not saying that all these doubts are true or false.
But there was another side story that came to light after this carcinogenic coconut oil story. This means that this cancer can come not only from coconut oil but also from other foods. So what are those foods? The people of the country need to know. However, the relevant authorities have not yet made an official statement in this regard. However, the Government Accounts Committee which met recently had paid special attention to this matter.
The Ministry of Health has the power to inspect the harmful substances in foods, including imported foods such as coconut oil. That goes to its food research unit. Therefore, the Committee on Public Accounts has instructed the Ministry of Health to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the harmful substances contained in imported food.
If the laboratory facilities for food testing are not adequate, they should be upgraded and the laws pertaining to food security should be amended expeditiously, said the Chairman of the Government Accounts Committee, Prof. Tissa Vitarana.
Former Minister of State Lasantha Alagiyawanna, the former Chairman of the Committee on Accounts, has pointed out that the situation has worsened due to the lack of proper coordination, especially among food testing laboratories.
The Committee on Public Accounts held at the Parliamentary Complex to examine the Auditor General’s Reports of the Ministry of Health for the year 2017/2018 and the current performance of the Ministry of Health pointed out that a number of issues are currently arising due to the non-implementation of a proper program for food security in the country.
The Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Tissa Vitarana has emphasized the need to take immediate action to check the quality of food as the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Health are in force for food.
