By Ayobami Okerinde

A United States-based health sciences researcher and public health advocate, Terpase Gbaa, has emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) as a strategy to combat the rising burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Gbaa, a research associate at Big Data and Eating Decisions Lab at the University of Rhode Island, said the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that Member States implement FOP nutrition labels to guide consumers toward healthier food choices.

These labels are part of a comprehensive approach to preventing diet-related illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) is a powerful tool that provides consumers with clear, concise information, enabling them to make healthier dietary choices at a glance. With the increasing prevalence of NCDs in Nigeria, Gbaa advocates for policymakers, public health professionals, and food manufacturers to prioritize the development and implementation of FOPL systems.

Nigeria faces a growing health crisis, with the International Diabetes Federation reporting that over 3.6 million Nigerians were living with diabetes in 2021—a prevalence rate of 3.7%. Obesity and hypertension rates have also surged due to the increased consumption of ultra-processed and energy-dense foods.

Gbaa argues that implementing FOPL can help curb these trends by empowering consumers to make informed dietary decisions. In a country with low nutritional awareness and high illiteracy rates, Gbaa stresses the importance of developing labeling systems that are simple and accessible.

He explains: “Clear, concise, and visual labels can bridge the information gap. Simple FOPL systems, such as the traffic light label or warning symbols, can be understood across diverse literacy levels.”

Countries like Chile, the UK, and Brazil have demonstrated the effectiveness of FOPL systems. Chile implemented warning labels, leading to reduced purchases of sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks. The UK introduced traffic light labels that influenced healthier food purchases, while Brazil adopted FOP labels to improve consumer dietary patterns.

Even in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is actively exploring the implementation of front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling as a strategy to improve consumer health outcomes. Our current research at BYTE lab aims to develop innovative approaches to reduce diet-related diseases, aligning with the FDA’s ongoing efforts to enhance food labeling systems for better consumer decision-making.

To address its unique challenges, Nigeria must adopt a front-of-pack labeling system that reflects its food environment and consumer behavior. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should take the lead in drafting and enforcing FOPL policies. Gbaa emphasizes the importance of NAFDAC working closely with food manufacturers to ensure compliance while encouraging innovation in healthier product formulations.

Nigeria is at a crossroads in its fight against diet-related diseases. Adopting FOPL policies can empower consumers to make healthier food choices, ultimately reducing the burden of NCDs and improving public health outcomes.

“Together, we can redefine the future of food labeling and public health in Nigeria,” says Terpase Gbaa.