'There should not be food outlets near or around polluted areas'

Dr TDA Ananda Jayalal, a director of the health ministry described the importance of categorising food and caterers to provide a healthy meal to the public.

"There should not be food outlets near or around polluted areas" Dr. Jayalal told the conference titled "media seminar on food safety and environmental health," organised by the ministry.

Elmo Fernando of BBC Sandeshaya pointed out that, however, parade of food outlets located near the national hospital at the vicinity of a polluted canal.

Dr Jayalal replied, "I believe patients need a market nearer to the hospital. In my opinion there shouldn't be a polluted canal nearer to a hospital."

Dr PG Mahipala, additional secretary to the ministry said that the changes are unavoidable while the country is "moving forward."

Therefore, it is important to inform the public of the changes, he added.

He said the ministry has done its utmost as per the court order to remove Astra Gold spread from the market, but the BBC pointed out that the product is still available in the market.