  
Public Health Inspectors from the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) have seized stocks of rotten, mouldy, and insect-damaged fruits following a surprise inspection conducted in Pettah. The substandard produce uncovered during the operation included apples, grapes, and oranges that were determined to be completely unfit for human consumption.
Colombo Mayor Vraîe Cally Balthazaar stated that municipal officials launched the operation after receiving reports that certain vendors were transporting spoiled fruits into the commercial hub using lorries and selling them directly to consumers from pavements. Following the inspection, authorities initiated legal proceedings against the individuals responsible for distributing the unsafe produce.
Key Developments
- Public Health Inspectors discovered stocks of mouldy, rotten, and insect-damaged fruits—including apples, grapes, and oranges—during a surprise sweep in Pettah.
- The raid was initiated after reports revealed traders were hauling unfit produce in lorries to sell on street pavements.
- Colombo Mayor Vraîe Cally Balthazaar confirmed that formal legal action is underway against those involved.
- Officials cautioned that contaminated food sold in Pettah threatens consumer health nationwide because the market supplies produce across Sri Lanka.
Mayor Balthazaar clarified that while the illicit practice does not involve the entire trading community, the presence of unsafe food in Pettah poses severe health risks to people across Sri Lanka, as the market serves as a central distribution point for many parts of the country. She emphasized that the CMC will maintain ongoing inspections and enforce strict penalties against anyone selling food unfit for consumption.