INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The Sri Lankan government has announced new restrictions on marketing food and beverages to children, effective January 1, 2025, under the
Food (Labelling - Advertising) Regulations 2022.The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, through its Food - Beverage Steering Committee, was a key
partner in shaping these regulations by providing inputs on food science, nutrition, international regulatory practices, and legal
frameworks during an over decade-long consultation process with the Ministry of Health.Under the new rules, the industry must ensure that
children under 12 are not featured in advertisements for F-B products
Further, the industry must ensure that F-B products are not advertised or promoted to children below 12 years without prior approval from
the Ministry of Health.Additionally, updated food labelling requirements, effective July 1, 2025, will empower consumers with essential
information, including nutritional values and detailed ingredient lists, to make informed food choices, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
regulatory framework after 20 years
Transitioning entrenched industry practices will be challenging for businesses, from SMEs to large-scale operators
However, it is vital to balance consumer protection with the continued availability of packaged food, and preserving longstanding brand
