Reference recent articles in the newspapers regarding the Mad Cow disease otherwise known as BSE.

The latest is the British High Commission through a press release denying having exported Mamalin Meat and Bone Meal (MMBM) to Sri Lanka since 1993 and further stating that the local health authorities could make their own decisions on banning the import of MMBM from the U.K.

Not many are aware that GELATINE, which is imported and used as the main ingredient in Jelly and Desserts marketed under a popular brand name and available on shelves is made from animal contents and could therefore be easily contaminated with BSE.

The Health Department has a duty by the public to identify such products and educate the consumers on their likely harmful effects and ban its sale if necessary.

The public would no doubt agree that these are more important consumer protection concerns that need immediate action than for instance regulations on food packaging.

Over to the new Minister for Health!
Hirantha Fernando
Negombo