Ban on imported food nearing expiry date from August

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

"From August 1, this year no food items can be imported to the country that are nearing their expiry dates. All imported food items should not exceed 60 percent of their shelf life by the time they arrive in the local market," a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, the Health Ministry will issue rules and regulations shortly under article 32 of the Food Act number 26 of 1980 as instructed by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena. "All imported food items should have expiry dates with not less than 60 percent of their shelf life by the time the food items reach the market," he said.

All imported food items should have words which state that the product should be used before the expiry date mentioned on the product. This should be based on the date of manufacture.

But the new rules and regulations will not apply to imported fresh fruits, vegetables and potatoes. Minister Sirisena took this decision after holding discussions with the Food Control Committee. It was noted that at present legally imported food items almost reach their expiry dates while the products are held up in the harbour and in stores due to negligence of importers. The new rules and regulations will protect the consumers from health risks by consuming expired and outdated imported food, he added.