Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is undergoing an epidemiological shift, with a significant rise in
chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These diseases, though challenging to define,
are commonly linked to four behavioral risk factors: tobacco use, excessive alcohol
consumption, poor diet, and physical inactivity.
Together, these factors drive the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes—conditions responsible for nearly 80% of global deaths. In Kenya specifically, NCDs contribute to over half of all inpatient admissions and account for almost half of all hospital deaths.
While these statistics are alarming, most countries are now taking measures to ensure the
management of NCDs, leaning majorly towards population-based interventions. These
interventions primarily include the integration of policies designed to build an environment in
which people are encouraged to make and maintain healthy living choices. One promising
approach is the use of front-of-pack labels (FOPLs) which provide consumers with essential
nutrition information on the foods they eat quickly and clearly.
Scientific evidence shows that FoPLs—detailed nutrient information found on the back of
food packaging—are effective in guiding consumers toward healthier food options. Kenya
for example has a long-term goal of adopting a Nutrient Profile Model that will guide FOPL
implementation within the food environment in the country.
According to researchers and public health experts, however, simply listing nutrition facts is not enough; labels must be clear, simple, and easily understood if they are to truly influence consumer choices.
Numerous FOPLs have been proposed globally. For example, the United States proposed the
three-star system; which rated products from less healthy (0 stars) to more healthy (3 stars).
In the UK and Ecuador, the proposal was for a traffic light system, while Australia adopted a
five-star rating system.
However, countries like the US have not yet imposed a mandatory
front-of-pack labeling system, instead, some products display a voluntary system called
‘Facts Up Front’. It is therefore clear that the greatest barrier to the implementation of these
labeling systems is that, despite strong evidence of FOPL benefits, these systems largely
remain voluntary.
While the adoption of FOPLs has primarily taken root in high-income countries, the trend is
spreading to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the burden of NCDs is also
rising. South Africa recently became the first African country to adopt FOPLs, and Kenya
could see substantial public health benefits by following suit.
Furthermore, prior studies show that when implemented effectively, FOPLs can significantly impact consumer food choices and encourage healthier eating. However, Kenya continues to see growing availability and consumption of ultra-processed and unhealthy foods, a trend evident in both urban and rural areas.
The Kenyan government through the Ministry of Health should therefore consider using the
available research evidence to inform the implementation of FoPLs. With the right label
design—one that is accessible and actionable for all consumers—Kenya can empower its
citizens to make healthier choices for themselves and their families, thus helping to curb the
rise of nutrition-related NCDs and improve public health outcomes across the nation.
By Chao Shete, Communications Officer APHRC, and Caliph Kirui, Research Officer,
APHRC
