Two thousand kilograms of illegal polythene raw materials destroyed.

Authorities recently took steps to completely destroy a stock of approximately 2,040 kg of food wrappers (Lunch Sheets), manufactured using prohibited polythene raw materials that do not conform to the prescribed standards, at a goods destruction site located in the Puttalam area.

This stock of illegal lunch sheets was seized as a result of two special raids conducted jointly by the Consumer Affairs Authority and the Central Environmental Authority, and this joint operation was launched with the aim of completely removing such harmful materials from the market.

According to the regulations imposed by Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2034/34 issued on September 01, 2017, the production, sale, display, and use of food wrappers for domestic use, utilizing polythene raw materials such as HDPE, LDPE, and Polypropylene, are completely prohibited by law.

Concurrently, a series of special labeling regulations that food wrapper manufacturers and traders must follow has been introduced under Directive No. 70 of Extraordinary Gazette No. 2151/58 dated November 29, 2019, and these legal requirements will come into effect from June 01, 2020.

In accordance with the new regulations, it is mandatory to display a clear label prepared in all three languages on every food wrapper packet or bundle released to the market. This label must include the brand name, maximum retail price, manufacturer's information, raw materials used for production, a statement confirming whether they are biodegradable or compostable, the Central Environmental Authority's registration number, and accurate quantities.

Therefore, authorities strongly urge manufacturers to completely refrain from producing lunch sheets using illegal prohibited polythene and to ensure that all relevant environmental and labeling legal requirements are met before releasing their products to the market.

Furthermore, wholesale or retail traders must pay close attention to the prescribed label information and product sources before purchasing or displaying such goods for sale. It is essential to avoid selling illegal products and always keep bills and invoices securely to prove legitimate purchases.

Consumers should also ensure they carefully check the label information when purchasing lunch sheets, including manufacturer's details, maximum retail price (MRP), date of manufacture, and the Central Environmental Authority's registration number. They are advised to avoid using wrappers that are suspicious or suspected to contain prohibited polythene.

Authorities further request the public to inform the Consumer Affairs Authority via the short telephone number 1977 during office hours if they have any information regarding such illegal irregularities or the sale of environmentally harmful materials occurring in the market.