Kenya's journey to better nutrition through front of pack warnings

In Kenya, as anywhere, what we eat plays a significant role in our health and well-being. Food policies, which govern the production, distribution, and marketing of food products, are crucial for ensuring that consumers have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food choices.

One key component of effective food policies is the implementation of an evidence-based nutrient profile model (NPM). This model provides a standardised way to assess the nutritional quality of foods, helping consumers make informed choices about what they eat.

By identifying foods that are high in unhealthy nutrients like sugars, salts, and fats, the NPM can guide consumers towards healthier options.

"An evidence-based Nutrient Profile Model would be a game-changer for Kenya," says Gideon Ogutu, health governance assistant programme officer at the International Institute for Legislative Affairs. "It will help us combat the rising rates of obesity and diet-related diseases by empowering consumers to make healthier choices."

An NPM is also critical for informing healthy food policies, such as front-of-pack warning labels (FOWLs). These warning labels provide clear, easy-to-understand information about the nutritional content of food products, helping consumers quickly identify unhealthy options.

Best practice examples from around the world show that FOPWLs can significantly impact consumer behavior, leading to healthier food choices. Studies show that the most effective type of labels are those that appear on the front of package and state that a product is “high in” or has “excessive” amounts of harmful ingredients.

Mandatory FOPWLs have been implemented in been implemented in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.  

"Front-of-pack warning labels are a win for public health since they directly reduce the purchase and consumption of unhealthy diets, as backed by irrefutable evidence," Ogutu explains. "They help consumers make informed choices on their diets, thus reducing the incidences of obesity and other diet-related non-communicable diseases."

South Africa's ongoing efforts to implement Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) highlight a broader regional dedication among African countries to promote public health policies that prioritize consumer well-being.

While progress has been made within the food policy space in Kenya, the Ministry of Health has an opportunity to prioritise the implementation of an evidence based NPM and FOPWLs. By doing so, the government will inform consumers of unhealthy commodities, which will in turn reduce the consumption of unhealthy diets and diet related non-communicable diseases.

It will also protect consumers from misleading marketing practices and fulfill the ministry’s responsibility to safeguard public health. Implementing these measures will not only benefit the health of individuals but also demonstrate Kenya's commitment to improving public health outcomes.

This year’s World Health Day, under the theme "My Health, My Right," reminded us that access to nutritious food is a basic right for every Kenyan.

The Ministry of Health needs to prioritise the implementation of an evidence based NPM and FOPWLs in Kenya.

This action will not only safeguard Kenyans’ fundamental right to nutritious food but also guarantee a healthier tomorrow for our future generations.