Effective January 1, 2025, the Sri Lankan government will enforce new restrictions on marketing food and beverages to children under the Food (Labelling & Advertising) Regulations 2022.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, through its Food & Beverage Steering Committee, played a pivotal role in shaping these regulations. Over a decade-long consultation process with the Ministry of Health, the Chamber contributed expertise on food science, nutrition, international regulatory practices, and legal frameworks.
Key Provisions
- Advertising Restrictions: Advertisements for food and beverage products must not feature children under 12. Furthermore, these products cannot be advertised or promoted to children below this age without prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
- Updated Labelling Standards: From July 1, 2025, food labelling must include comprehensive nutritional values and ingredient details, enabling consumers to make informed choices.
The new regulations aim to address gaps in the 2005 framework and bring Sri Lanka’s food safety standards in line with international practices.
Industry Reaction
Mr. Buwanekabahu Perera, CEO of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, applauded the Ministry of Health’s efforts to modernize Sri Lanka’s food regulatory framework after two decades. He acknowledged the challenges businesses will face in adapting entrenched practices but emphasized the importance of balancing consumer protection with the availability of packaged foods and brand sustainability.
“A corrective and collaborative approach to implementing these regulations will be crucial for a smooth transition,” he stated.
