Ghana moves to introduce front-of-pack warning labels to fight diet-related diseases

Ghana is taking steps to introduce Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) on food products as part of efforts to address the rising burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The initiative, being guided by a Nutrient Profile Model (NPM), which would set thresholds for sugar, salt, trans fats and other harmful additives in processed foods.

Mr. Labram Musah, Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST Ghana) and National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, speaking at the Southern Zonal Consultative Workshop on Consumer Expectations for FOPWL held in Accra, said the absence of comprehensive nutrition labelling was exposing Ghanaians to serious health risks.

He explained that while the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) currently required expiry and manufacturing dates on packaging, the system did not provide details on levels of sugar, salt or trans fats, leaving consumers without the information needed to make informed dietary choices.

Mr. Musah said the proposed Nutrient Profile Model would provide a scientific basis for classifying foods and beverages that were high in harmful nutrients, requiring them to carry a front-of-pack warning label. 

He added that similar policies had already been adopted in countries such as Kenya and South Africa, and Ghana could not afford to be left behind.

“Food is something every Ghanaian consumes daily, unlike tobacco or alcohol, yet we lack the same level of regulation for ultra-processed products,” he said.

“Front-of-pack warning labels are essential to inform the public and protect the population from the growing threat of diet-related illnesses,” he added.

Mr. Musah emphasised that the adoption of FOPWL would not only create awareness but also encourage manufacturers to reformulate their products and ultimately help reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases.

“This is about saving lives and building a healthier future for Ghanaians. An effective labelling policy will give consumers the right information at the point of purchase and enable healthier choices,” he said.

The workshop, organised by SEND Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND), forms part of consultations aimed at gathering feedback from the public and stakeholders to shape the final design of the policy. 

Participants were urged to support the introduction of the labelling system to ensure that it meets consumer needs and contributes to the fight against NCDs.

Diet-related NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are on the rise in Ghana, driven largely by changing diets and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Source: GNA

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