Front-of-Pack Labels championed as cost-effective strategy for NCD prevention
In an effort to prioritize public health and combat the escalating burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) within Ghana, the Ghana NCD Alliance (GhNCDA), operating under the Healthier Diets for Healthy Lives (HD4HL) Project, undertook a seminal webinar.
The webinar was to foster a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role played by Front-of-Pack Labels (FOPL) from both a data-driven and regulatory perspective.
Labram Musah, National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance in his opening address, underscored the unequivocal fact that unhealthy dietary practices constitute one of the foremost modifiable risk factors contributing to the global NCD epidemic. Many nations, recognizing this sobering reality, have embarked on a journey to implement public policies designed to cultivate healthier food environments and empower consumers to make more informed choices.
Mr. Musah acknowledged Ghana’s ongoing efforts to develop FOPL policies, while candidly acknowledging that they have not yet reached the level of comprehensiveness desired. Drawing inspiration from global experiences, he highlighted the successful proliferation of FOPL regulations in Latin American countries and various other regions. These regulations heralded as cost-effective interventions, act as beacons of clarity, promptly alerting consumers when packaged products contain high levels of concerning nutrients or potentially harmful food additives.
FOPL’s applicability predominantly extends to packaged food and beverage items, particularly those classified as ultra-processed. A noteworthy aspect of this approach is that the financial onus of implementing FOPL primarily rests upon the industry, which assumes the costs associated with label printing and placement. This financial model underscores FOPL’s status as a pragmatic and cost-effective strategy, aimed at enlightening consumers and thereby curtailing the prevalence of NCDs.
Furthermore, Mr. Musah emphasized the ongoing global campaign to reduce tobacco and tobacco product consumption. Ghana’s resistance to the Excise Duty Amendment Act 1093, intended to safeguard public health while generating revenue for the government, was underscored. Drawing parallels with the remarkable success of health warnings on tobacco packaging, Mr. Musah cautioned against undue industry influence in the development of FOPL policies. He noted that, as witnessed in the tobacco industry, the food and beverage sector may endeavor to thwart FOPL policies, making vigilance among policymakers paramount.
The World Health Organization (WHO) regards FOPL as an invaluable source of supplementary nutrition information, wielding considerable influence as a policy implementation tool. This multifaceted approach enriches consumer comprehension of the nutritional content of foods, serving a dual purpose: empowering consumers to make healthier dietary choices and prompting the food industry to reformulate their products positively.
Labram Musah concluded his address by elucidating the objectives of the advocacy for food labeling policies, which aim to:
- Disseminate knowledge about the HD4HL project and the proposed food policy bundle.
- Enhance participants’ familiarity with Ghana’s existing FOPL policies and regulations.
- Expose participants to localized evidence showcasing the efficacy of Ghana’s current FOPL policies and regulations.
- Raise awareness among participants, encouraging them to become active custodians of their health by scrutinizing food labels on the products they purchase and consume.
The webinar by the Ghana NCD Alliance stands as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to public health and the pursuit of strategies to mitigate the burgeoning NCD crisis. It exemplifies a collective effort to foster a healthier, more informed populace that can make conscientious choices for a better future.
