An Extraordinary Gazette Notification has been issued introducing amendments to the food colour-code labelling regulations for sugar-containing liquid food products.

The amendments were issued by Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa under Section 32 of the Food Act, No. 26 of 1980, and were published in the Extraordinary Gazette dated June 23.

According to the new amendments, new regulations have been introduced for the design and display of the red, amber and green colour logos that must be displayed on the packaging of sugary levels-liquid foods.

The amendments also introduce an alternative logo that can be used on glass bottles where the available printable space is limited.

In addition, a new definition has been introduced for “business to business food products”, which defines food products which are not offered for direct sale to the consumer for direct consumption but which are only used for further food processing, preparation or resale.

Under the amended regulations, drinks containing more than 8.0 grams of sugar per 100 millilitres must carry a red label, those containing between 2.5 and 8.0 grams per 100 millilitres must display an amber label, while beverages containing less than 2.5 grams of sugar per 100 millilitres must carry a green label.