Accra: SEND Ghana and the Ghana Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) have called on the government to introduce a national policy mandating front-of-pack warning labels on processed and ultra-processed foods. The two organizations say the move is essential to protect consumers from unhealthy diets and to curb the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, which have become major public health concerns in Ghana.

According to Ghana News Agency, a statement copied to the agency in Accra said the increasing consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats was fueling the country’s NCD burden. It warned that many of these products were sold without clear nutritional information, leaving consumers unaware of their health risks.

“Front-of-pack warning labels offer a simple and effective solution, they provide consumers with visible and easy-to-understand information, helping them make quick, informed food choices,” the statement said. The organizations added that evidence from other countries showed that such labels reduced the purchase of unhealthy foods, pushing manufacturers to reformulate their products to meet healthier standards.

Implementing the policy in Ghana, they said, would not only safeguard public health but also reduce the economic cost of NCDs to the nation. SEND Ghana and GAND have therefore urged the Government to adopt international best practices in developing the policy and ensuring that strong regulatory measures were in place to guarantee compliance within the food industry.

The statement said the two institutions noted that front-of-pack warning labels align perfectly with this year’s theme, as they would empower Ghanaians to make informed dietary decisions and contribute to a healthier population. They also appealed to the public, civil society organizations, health professionals, and the media to support the campaign for front-of-pack warning food labels, stressing that a united effort could help create a healthier food environment and reduce preventable deaths from poor diets.