THE push for front-of-package labelling (FOPL) is gaining steam despite resistance from some State entities and major players in the private sector.

“The Heart Foundation of Jamaica and its partners are currently advocating for the implementation of the ‘High In black’, octagonal, front-of-package warning label,” declared Barbara McGaw, project manager of the Global Health Advocacy Project at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.

“We are advocating for this black octagon based on the local study done by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Jamaica in December 2020 which showed the black octagon to be superior to other FOPL in assisting consumers to make healthier choices. This model was also chosen by the Caribbean Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality as the option for the regional standard,” added McGaw.

She explained that FOPLs are symbols and rating systems placed on the front of processed food packages, or foods that have been changed from their natural state.

They are simple, clear graphics on the front of packaged or processed food products which provide information about nutrients of concern such as: unhealthy fats, sodium and added sugars as they relate to obesity, diabetes, and other noncommunicable diseases.

“At present, nutrition labelling on the back of food and beverage packages is not mandatory for products in Jamaica, and many local products do not have it,” noted McGaw.

“When products do have the nutrition fact panels, they can sometimes be hard to understand. As consumers we need an easier way to identify and make healthier food choices when shopping. This type of label can help us make the best choices for our bodies, reducing our risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

“With this information we are better able to control our purchases of foods which are high in fat, salt, and sugar, to help to keep Jamaica healthy and keep overweight/obesity rates low. It can also be used as a guide for persons on special diets, such as persons living with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol,” added McGaw.

She underscored that not all products would carry FOPL, only those that are above thresholds set by PAHO for nutrients that are harmful to health in excess.

McGaw argued that with the dietary habits of Jamaicans changing over the years, there has been an increased consumption of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar.

“This is also attributed to the increased presence of pre-packaged processed foods, which are pervasively marketed at attractive prices. A poor diet is one of the leading causes of noncommunicable diseases [NCDs], especially cardiovascular disease globally,” she explained.

McGaw added that to reduce the risk of NCDs and cardiovascular diseases, consumers need to be armed with information to make the right choices.

In the meantime, Hugh Reid, general manager of JN Life Insurance Company, pointed to studies conducted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness which show that medical costs from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes alone in Jamaica, over the next 15 years, could be as high as $29.8 billion.

He said it was important for Jamaicans to monitor what they eate, and for them to pay close attention to labels on food packages.

“We should avoid ultra-processed foods that are high in fat, salts and sugar. Therefore, reading and understanding food labels are important.

“Most importantly, no matter how prepared you are, we always remind Jamaicans that prevention is always better than the cure — therefore, a healthy lifestyle is the best choice,” said Reid.