(UTV|COLOMBO) – Regulations to display colour coded stickers on solid and semi solid food items indicating their salt, sugar and fat levels will be enforced from today.
The Gazette citing the regulations was published by Minister of Health Dr. Rajitha Senarathne on the 17th of April 2019.
An objective of the initiative is to create awareness and direct the public to choose suitable food items.
Another motive of this initiative is to protect citizens from non communicable diseases, which is prevalent in many citizens.
The Minister of Health said food manufacturing companies have reached a consensus over the matter.
Through this new law, the public can identify the quantity of salt, sugar and fat included in food items.
Small and medium scale manufacturers have been granted a grace period of 3 months to implement the colour coded systems.
This method of awareness was previously introduced for beverages.
The Ministry of Health said surveys suggest that 50% of school children are more prone to observing the colour code on soft drinks prior to purchasing.
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