November 15, Colombo (LNW): Bing Chun Sri Lanka has issued a clarification following a court ruling that resulted in the company being fined Rs. 84,000 over 28 food-related offences involving ice cream products that did not satisfy prescribed compositional requirements.
The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court handed down the penalty after the company admitted guilt to all 28 charges brought in connection with inspections conducted by Public Health Inspectors attached to the Colombo Municipal Council.
During the inspections, samples of the company’s products were collected and subsequently analysed at the municipal council’s laboratory. The test results indicated that certain products failed to comply with the required food composition standards.
In response to media coverage of the case, the company explained that the findings concerned the fat content and total solids present in two varieties sold under the vanilla and chocolate flavours.
Bing Chun stressed that the laboratory findings should not be interpreted as confirmation that the products contained poisonous substances, were contaminated or posed a direct health risk to consumers. It maintained that failing to meet prescribed ingredient specifications is a separate matter from establishing that food is unsafe for consumption.
The company said it recognised the importance of maintaining compliance with national food safety legislation and respected the court’s decision and the legal proceedings.
As part of its response, Bing Chun revealed that it was undertaking a review of its manufacturing formulations, product specifications and labelling descriptions to ensure they are consistent with Sri Lanka’s regulatory requirements.
Additional laboratory assessments are also being organised, while the company intends to reinforce its internal quality control systems and product monitoring procedures.
The company further appealed to media organisations and members of the public to exercise caution when reporting on the matter, particularly when distinguishing between technical non-compliance with food composition standards and evidence of an actual health hazard.
It also indicated that it would consider legal action in response to statements it regards as false, misleading or damaging to its commercial reputation.
Concluding its statement, Bing Chun expressed regret over the public concern generated by the incident and reiterated its intention to address the regulatory issues identified, strengthen its quality assurance practices and maintain consumer confidence in its products.
The case has also brought renewed attention to the importance of food industry compliance, independent product testing and transparent communication between manufacturers, regulators and consumers.