Cultural food fads have an indelible knack for whisking the palates of global gastronomes into delightful frenzies. The sophistication of French charcuterie was the talk of 2021, and the allure of Japanese delicacies held 2022 in rapture. Yet, as 2023 unfolds, you’ll most certainly find a Sri Lankan delight taking its place in the culinary limelight.
The global market's insatiable yearning for the nation’s diverse culinary treasures is palpable. Among these treasures, Sri Lankan food products such as chutneys and fiery chilli paste stand out, finding their way into kitchens worldwide. This upsurge not only reflects a culinary renaissance but also illuminates the expansive export opportunities for businesses in Sri Lanka’s spices sector.
Complying with international food regulations
Navigating the intricacies of food regulations is pivotal, especially when contemplating a foray into the international market. Ensuring compliance, both in Sri Lanka and your destination country, is imperative to preserve the integrity of your spices and ensure smooth business operations. Generally, countries adhere to universally recognised regulations, such as the International Organisation for Standardisation 22000 (ISO 22000), which emphasises the identification and stringent control of food safety hazards at every step of the food processing journey.
What are the international standards for food safety?
Nonetheless, countries may also include additional requirements specific to certain food products.
India
Delving deeper into the regulatory landscape, a case in point is India, one of the major importers of Sri Lankan spices. Their stringent import regulations necessitate spices to undergo various sampling tests. For instance, all imported food products are subject to microscopic examination. Meanwhile, specific spices from Sri Lanka, like chilli are also required to undergo tests to gauge its colour value and detect traces of turmeric.
The United States of America (US)
When exporting products to the US, businesses will also encounter various regulatory checkpoints. An example is the regulation of products like chilli paste. If your product contains added colouring, descriptors that transparently indicate the addition of colour should be incorporated in your food label.
Besides this, Sri Lankan chutney and paste imports with ingredients like sulphites and Yellow #5 must clearly declare these food additives on the packaging. Strict adherence is crucial as such additives can trigger adverse reactions ranging from mild to moderately severe in susceptible individuals.
For concoctions like acidified chutneys and pastes infused with ingredients like dried tamarind and coconut flour, caution should also be exercised. This is because these ingredients have previously been linked to bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella and C. botulinum, and the onus is on manufacturers to identify and assess these as potential hazards, determining the necessity for preventive controls.
What is the food regulation in Sri Lanka?
Certifications
Besides ensuring compliance with international food regulations, exporters must meet various obligations set out by Sri Lanka to ensure a smooth shipping process. For instance, every batch of chilli paste and chutney is expected to come with a Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by the Department of Commerce or the Chamber of Commerce. This certificate testifies to your product's authenticity, traceability, and quality, an assurance to every nation that imports them.
Some other export documents required include the health certificate issued by the Food Control Administration Unit (FCAU) of the Ministry of Health that certifies the product as fit for human consumption. To obtain this certification, a representative sample of your chilli paste or chutney for export will be selected for rigorous testing at a laboratory recognised by the FCAU. Since international standards and requirements vary, the parameters for your test can differ. As such, your business must stay updated on your export destination’s requirements to ensure your shipment sails smoothly without facing rejections.
Registrations as an exporter
In addition, Sri Lankan businesses exporting chilli paste and chutney must also be equipped with key registrations to affirm their legitimacy to register as an exporter. This includes:
- An EDB Registration Number from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
- A Tax Identification Number or VAT Number from the Inland Revenue Department.
- Lastly, an official nod from Sri Lanka Customs.
To secure these registrations, you are required to furnish original documentation, like the Business Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation, coupled with the necessary application forms.
Use the right food packaging for spices
As the last step in the export procedure, ensuring that you use sturdy packaging for your spices is crucial to ensure they reach your consumers in the optimal state and here are some factors to consider during packing.
Keeping freshness intact
To preserve the essence of your spices, consider food packaging solutions that lock in the natural aroma while guarding against contamination and air-induced deterioration. Opting for an airtight container is a classic choice, and some of the common packaging materials include:
- Glass bottles: Available in diverse sizes and designs, they come labelled and sealed with metal or plastic caps that often incorporate features like tamper evidence, dispensing mechanisms, and even built-in grinders.
- Tinplate cans: These containers are crafted from nearly pure low-carbon mild steel and coated with tin, and internal lacquering is required to prevent corrosion.
- Plastic containers: Stretch-blown PET containers can typically offer around 180 days of shelf-life for products like masala mixes.
Safeguarding food products during transit
Besides choosing durable food packaging, ensuring your products arrive in tip-top condition also requires securely packing your shipments.
Start by comprehensively evaluating your shipment. Your product’s size, weight, and shape are foundational to your packing strategy. Ideally, a new or barely used box with about 6 cm of excess space around your product should be perfect. For heavier shipments, logistics service providers like DHL Express offer sturdier, double-layered packaging to ensure their safety. If you're dealing with uniquely shaped packaging, find a box that fits and leaves room for protective internal padding.
When packing fragile items, particularly spices stored in delicate glass containers, reinforce and cushion the product's vulnerable areas to reduce the risk of damage. For the internal packaging, lay a protective base layer, such as bubble wrap or foam, then nestle your product atop it and fill the remaining spaces with more protective materials to keep your items from moving in transit.
Lastly, secure your shipping box by taping the corners, all open seams and the edges, which are most prone to wear during transit. Thereafter, affix your shipping label prominently on top of the box and place additional documents, such as shipping invoices, in a plastic pouch attached to the box. If your food items require special handling, affix labels like "Keep Dry", "Fragile", or "This Way Up" to ensure handlers pay extra care when handling your package.
For the best outcomes, consider consulting shipping experts like DHL Express's Certified International Specialists. Each shipment is unique, and having tailored advice ensures your product arrives in perfect condition.
