Firms say no issue with colour bar but don’t isolate them

New regulations introducing a colour chart to indicate the levels of sugar quantity in soft drink bottles have been welcomed by large beverage firms but they urge that the restrictions should apply to all food items.

"Whilst we concur that consumers should have an informed choice of food and beverage items with ample nutrition declaration, it's disappointing that the regulators only target types such as beverages and try to almost instill fear in the consumer's mind,” an official at a local beverage company said.

Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne has said the colour chart is to be implemented from August with taxes on sugar imports to be increased.

The official said that his firm will colour chart the sugar quantities on the bottles as the customers need an informed choice."Ultimately sugar is a nutrient that's required, but in the correct quantity as with all foods."

Meanwhile, another soft drinks firm, Ceylon Cold Stores has in new products launched in recent years includes four major flavours reduced the sugar calories significantly with the introduction of a sweetener extract from the Stevia plant which has a zero calories-count. A company official said that these were introduced to be in line with the latest trends. “If anyone wants a variation, then we have products.”

(Duruthu)