– Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) in Vavuniya have seized 580 litres of artificial bee honey allegedly prepared for sale to pilgrims visiting sacred sites during the Poson season.

The Vavuniya Public Health Inspectorate said the fake bee honey was discovered during a surprise raid conducted on June 27 at a house where the artificial product was being manufactured and distributed to Anuradhapura and other areas.During the raid, officers seized seven 40-litre containers of artificial bee honey made by melting sugar. The product was found to be unfit for human consumption. They also recovered bee pollen and other materials left behind by bees.Investigations revealed that the melted sugar was bottled and topped with pieces of beehive to make it appear genuine before being transported to the Anuradhapura area for sale to Poson pilgrims.Public Health Inspectors have urged devotees to exercise caution when purchasing bee honey during the Poson season, warning that some traders are attempting to deceive consumers by selling artificial products.

Legal action has been initiated against a woman alleged to have produced the fake honey. She is due to be produced before the Vavuniya Magistrate’s Court.The raid was carried out under the leadership of Nelukkulam Public Health Inspector M. Anton, with the guidance of Vavuniya Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Surendran and Senior Public Health Inspector Mejeya.