VAST Ghana pushes for front-of-pack food warnings against unhealthy foods to tackle rising non-communicable diseases

Labram Musah, Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana (VAST Ghana), has urged the government to implement stricter food policies, such as mandatory front-of-pack warning labels, to combat the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana. Musah highlighted gaps in the country's current food regulatory framework that allow manufacturers to sell high-sugar, high-salt, and high-fat products without clear warnings to aid consumer decision-making.

Speaking at a workshop on Nutrient Profile Modelling, Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling, and Healthy Food Policies, Musah stressed the need for a robust system backed by evidence to establish thresholds for warning labels. He emphasized that consumers must be informed about the nutritional content of products, preventing harmful foods from reaching them in the first place.

Musah acknowledged the Food and Drugs Authority's (FDA) efforts but stressed the necessity of stronger standards to protect public health. He proposed a mandatory front-of-pack warning system, urging the FDA to work with stakeholders to develop clear thresholds. The Ghanaian market currently lacks these labels, making it difficult for consumers to identify products with excessive unhealthy ingredients.

Musah warned that the growing consumption of unhealthy foods contributes to NCDs, accounting for 45% of deaths in Ghana annually. He advocated for preventative measures, including taxes on sugary, salty, and fatty products and stricter food procurement policies for public institutions to promote healthier choices and reduce the risks associated with poor diets.