Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST) Ghana, in partnership with the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) and SEND Ghana, has called on the government to introduce mandatory front-of-pack warning labels (FOPWL) on pre-packaged foods. This move aims to help curb the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. The call was made at a media workshop on nutrient profile modelling, front of pack warning labelling, and healthy food policy in Ghana.
The Executive Director for VAST Ghana, Labram Musah, addressed the media, highlighting the challenges posed by the absence of mandatory food warning labels. He explained that this absence makes it difficult for consumers to identify products containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Although the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is making efforts to regulate food products, Musah noted that more preventive measures are needed to address unhealthy food consumption in the country.
Ghana's existing food labelling system is largely voluntary, allowing manufacturers to determine the nutritional information they disclose on their products. This, according to Musah, hinders consumers' ability to make informed decisions about the foods they purchase. A mandatory front-of-pack warning label, supported by an evidence-based nutrient profiling system, would enable consumers to identify products with excessive critical nutrients, such as sugars, total fats, saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
The excessive consumption of pre-packaged foods and sugar-sweetened beverages is a contributing factor to the growing cases of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases in Ghana. Musah further called for the implementation of complementary food policies, including taxes on unhealthy products, restrictions on advertisements targeting children, and healthier food procurement policies for schools. He emphasized that the government should prioritize nutritious meals when procuring food for schoolchildren to protect them from unhealthy eating habits.
The President of GAND, Rev. Prince Baidoo, raised concerns over the increasing number of children developing health conditions traditionally associated with adults, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. He attributed this trend to the growing consumption of sugary drinks, processed meats, and pastries among other fatty foods. Baidoo urged parents to make fruits and vegetables the preferred choice when providing snacks for children, rather than pre-packaged snacks.
Baidoo also encouraged the general public to consume indigenous Ghanaian foods rather than processed and imported foods to help reduce NCDs in the country. A member of the Food Policy team from SEND Ghana, Baaba Sam, disclosed that even though the country has a regulation for food labelling, it is usually not compulsory. Sam stressed that a mandatory front-of-pack warning label would make nutritional warnings more visible, readable, and accessible through clear symbols and written information for consumers to make healthier choices.
The introduction of FOPWL is expected to play a crucial role in reducing the consumption of products with excessive critical nutrients, which are linked to obesity and NCDs. By implementing this measure, Ghana can take a significant step towards promoting healthier eating habits and reducing the burden of NCDs on the country's healthcare system.
Key points
- VAST Ghana urges government to introduce mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on pre-packaged foods to curb rising cases of non-communicable diseases.
- The absence of mandatory food warning labels makes it difficult for consumers to identify products containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Excessive consumption of pre-packaged foods and sugar-sweetened beverages contributes to growing cases of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases in Ghana.
