Starting January 1, 2025, Sri Lanka has introduced significant regulations to limit the marketing of food and beverages (F&B) to children and improve consumer information on food products. These rules, part of the Food (Labelling & Advertising) Regulations 2022, aim to modernize the country’s food regulatory framework after nearly two decades.
Key Changes Under the New Regulations
Advertising Restrictions Targeting Children:
Advertisements for food and beverages must not feature children under 12 years old.
F&B products cannot be advertised or promoted directly to children under 12 without prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
Updated Labelling Requirements:
From July 1, 2025, food labels must include detailed ingredient lists and nutritional information to help consumers make informed choices.
These updates bring Sri Lanka’s food labelling practices in line with international standards, addressing gaps in the previous 2005 regulations.
Ceylon Chamber CEO Buwanekabahu Perera acknowledged the difficulty of transitioning existing practices but emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between consumer safety and the continued availability of packaged food.
The regulations mark a critical step toward aligning Sri Lanka’s food standards with global norms while safeguarding public health, particularly for children.
