Health and nutrition related claims of non-alcoholic beverage labels in supermarkets: their compliance with Sri Lanka Food Labelling and Advertising Regulations

Introduction: The main legislation governing food labelling in Sri Lanka is the Food Act which is implemented by health authorities. Food labels provide information to help consumers make healthier and safe food choices.

Objectives: To assess the compliance of health and nutrition claims of labels of non-alcoholic beverages with food labelling regulation

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in all 18 supermarkets in the Kandy Municipal Council Area. Non-alcoholic beverages were assessed. A judgmentally validated pre-tested checklist containing provisions of the labelling regulation was used as the study instrument. Data collection was done by four trained data collectors.

Results:  Of the 214 beverages assessed, 5.1% (n=11) did not have the common name in two languages. Claims or pictures to the effect that the beverage is recommended by medical practitioners or a professional association was present in 8.1% (n=19). Of the 56 milk products and health drinks, 8.9% (n=5) made claims that dietary fats benefit heart patients. Claim of food being an aid for slimming or weight reduction was found in 14% (n=9) of the 64 milk products, health drinks and green tea surveyed. Of the 36 beverages which made special claims, 30 (83%) did not have declarations that the natural food items also have the same characteristic.

Conclusions: Labels of considerable proportions of beverages contravene the provisions of the food labelling regulation, indicating the importance of proper implementation of the regulation.