HEALA ramps up petition for clear food warning labels
HEALA is calling for urgent action to label foods high in salt and sugar, warning that consumer health can't wait any longer. The organisation has launched a national petition imploring the Department of Health to enforce front-of-pack food labelling regulations.
A PETITION for clear front-of-packaging labelling has been launched by the Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) which is calling on the Department of Health to sign the regulation that would force manufacturers to display the salt and sugar levels contained in food.
“We want there to be images as well as to give indication to those who can’t read,” said HEALA CEO Nzama Mbalati. “An image of salt or sugar would give the consumer a clear sign that the food item is high in sodium and sugar.”
The organisation began their KZN awareness campaign in Durban at The Workshop this week, after touring Gauteng and Limpopo. Mbalati said that the regulation could save a number of people from non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
“There is not enough awareness being raised about this regulation that could save lives. Public participation was opened last year, but not enough people commented and it was mostly from food manufacturers that are trying to stop this regulation from being passed,” said Mbalati.
Also Read: HEALA campaigns for clear warning labels
HEALA believes that consumers need to be empowered to make informed, and healthier decisions when buying food – especially when trying to identify healthier options. “Some packaged foods put us at risk of dangerous, life-altering illnesses. South Africans have the right to understand the ingredients in the food they eat. For many consumers, back-of-pack labels are complicated and difficult to read, making it nearly impossible for people to choose healthier alternatives,” said Mbalati.
He said the Department of Health has had almost two years to ratify the R3337 (formally referred to as the Draft Regulation Relating to Labelling and Advertising of Foodstuffs published by the SA National Department of Health on April 21, 2023) and has failed to do so. “Regulations will make it easier for us to readily identify foods that are bad for our health and choose better for ourselves. We urgently need easy-to-read warning labels that highlight the dangerous contents in some of these packaged foods,” said Mbalati.
“South Africans have been waiting since the conclusion of the public consultation process on September 21, 2023. Time is up, our health is on a steady decline, and we are vulnerable to predatory food manufacturers that prioritise profit over the wellness of the masses.”
HEALA urged all South Africans to add their voice to the call for the Department of Health to protect public health by signing the petition at heala.org.
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