Purpose
To regulate the safe use of food preservatives by specifying permitted types, usage limits, and labelling requirements to protect public health.
Expectations
Only preservatives listed in Schedule I and Schedule II are permitted for use in food products.
The quantity of preservatives used must not exceed the maximum limits set out in the regulations.
Compounded foods can include preservatives only in proportion to the approved ingredients used.
All preservatives must comply with international standards such as those set by FAO/WHO JECFA.
Preservatives must be labelled clearly and legibly, without being obscured, as per Schedule III.
It is prohibited to manufacture, import, store, sell, or advertise any unapproved or improperly labelled preservatives.
To regulate the use, approval, labelling, and safety limits of food additives in Sri Lanka, ensuring consumer safety and international compliance.
Expectations
Only additives listed in Schedule I and those aligned with GSFA standards in Schedule II are permitted.
New additives can be approved only if allowed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and cleared by the Chief Food Authority.
Labels must include the general name and INS number of each permitted food additive used.
Flavouring compounds must be clearly identified as “natural” or otherwise on the packaging.
The proportion of each additive used must be within the allowed limits and made available on request to authorities.
Additives may be present in foods only if permitted by related regulations, and levels must not exceed approved limits.
Purpose
To control the use of antioxidants in food by specifying permitted substances, limits, and labelling requirements to ensure consumer safety and prevent unauthorized additives.
Expectations
Only antioxidants listed in Schedule I are permitted, and their quantity must not exceed the maximum limit specified.
A combination of permitted antioxidants can be used only if their total percentage does not exceed 100% of the allowed level.
No person can manufacture, import, sell, store, transport, or advertise any food containing antioxidants unless it complies with the regulations.
Food containers with antioxidants must have a clear label as required by the Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations 2005.
Use of antioxidants not listed in Schedule I is strictly prohibited in any food meant for human consumption.
To regulate the use of sweeteners in food products, ensuring safety, correct labelling, and compliance with permitted dosage limits.
Expectations
Only sweeteners listed in Schedule I are allowed to be used, imported, or sold.
Sweeteners are strictly prohibited in foods made for infants or young children.
The maximum dose used must not exceed the limits mentioned in Column III of Schedule I.
When mixing more than one sweetener, the total combined amount must not exceed 100% of the allowed level.
All labelling and declarations about sweeteners must be clear, visible, and not misleading or hidden.
Purpose
To regulate the use of flavoring substances and flavor enhancers in food, ensuring only safe and approved substances are used in accordance with national and international standards.
Expectations
Only approved flavoring substances and enhancers may be used, and they must be recognized as safe and suitable in the country of origin or manufacture.
Schedule I lists prohibited flavoring substances which must not be used in any food.
Schedule II specifies the only solvents allowed in flavoring substances; use of others is prohibited.
Schedule III identifies the foods where flavor enhancers are not allowed.
Packaging and labels of flavoring substances must comply with the Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations – 2005.
Import, sale, use, or advertisement of non-compliant substances or solvents is strictly prohibited.