Black warning labels on food: What Kenya’s proposed new system means for shoppers

Kenya is considering implementing black warning labels on packaged foods as part of a new nutrition labelling system that will be introduced by 2025. Unlike the current nutrition tables found on the back or side of many products, the proposed warning labels would be prominently displayed on the front of packaging. The aim is to help shoppers quickly identify products containing high levels of nutrients linked to diet-related health risks, such as salt, sugar, fat, and saturated fat.

The proposed system is based on Kenya's 2025 Nutrient Profile Model, which sets thresholds for nutrients of concern. Packaged foods that exceed these thresholds for a particular nutrient would be required to carry a warning on the front of their package. This would make nutritional information easier to understand at a glance, allowing shoppers to make more informed purchasing decisions without having to consult detailed nutrition panels or check serving sizes.

The Ministry of Health has identified front-of-pack nutrition labelling as part of a broader set of food policies aimed at addressing unhealthy diets and non-communicable diseases. Evidence from other countries, such as Chile, suggests that front-of-pack warnings can influence consumer behavior and lead to changes in purchasing patterns, particularly for sugar-sweetened beverages.

Manufacturers may also be affected, with some studies indicating product reformulation, including reductions in certain nutrients. For Kenyan shoppers, the biggest change would be the immediate warning provided on the front of a packet about its nutritional profile. While the labels would not prevent consumers from buying a product with a warning, they would offer a simpler way to identify packaged foods high in sugar, salt, or fats before making a purchase.