Traffic light labelling system on packaged solid food products in Ragama town area: A policy evaluation study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The Traffic Light Labelling System (TLLS) for packaged solid and semi-solid foods was implemented in Sri Lanka in 2019 as a measure to reduce the Non-Communicable Disease burden related to nutrition in Sri Lanka. OBJECTIVES: To describe the level of implementation of the TLLS in packaged solid food products and its awareness among the adult population in Ragama town. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted under two arms as Study I and II. Study I: Snacks and Confectionary Isles of four supermarkets were examined to observe all packaged food products that complied with the Food (Color coding for sugar, salt and fat) Regulations of 2019. A pre-tested checklist based on the TTLS legislature was used to assess the implementation level with a score from 0-10. Study II described the awareness of TLLS among the adult population in public areas using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 412 items assessed, 75%(n=311) had completely adhered to TTLS legislature while 10%(n=42) had completely violated it. The most violated regulation was inaccurate main logo size (n=67,16.26%) Among 385 adults, majority (n=222,57.7% were not aware of the TLLS. The most considered factor when purchasing a food product was the expiry date (n=217,56.4%) and food purchase was mostly influenced by income (n=175,45.5%). CONCLUSION: Although a high level of adherence to TLLS was seen among snacks and confectionary items, their nutritional labels were not a decisive factor for purchase. As buyer awareness regarding TLLS was poor, this study calls for increasing awareness and creating a culture of reading food labels during shopping.