The Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) held a vital public discussion, ‘Chew on This: Big Food Is Not Telling Us the Whole Truth,’ at the Wits Origins Centre on September 4. The event highlighted the alarming impact of ultra-processed food marketing on South Africa’s children and the urgent need for stronger food regulations.

South Africa is grappling with a worsening health crisis linked to ultra-processed foods and aggressive marketing tactics targeting children. Nearly half of adults are overweight or obese, while childhood obesity has risen dramatically from 1 in 20 to 1 in 8 over the past decade. Experts warn that by 2031, more than 4m children aged 5 to 19 could be living with obesity, placing South Africa among the top 10 countries globally for childhood obesity.

Read more: Brixton: Where the appetite for knowledge and great food is answered

This crisis is driving rising rates of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, placing strain on families and the healthcare system. A key focus of the discussion was the potential of mandatory Front-of-Package Warning Labels (FoPWL) to help consumers quickly identify unhealthy products and counter misleading marketing.

South Africa’s Department of Health published a draft regulation in April 2023 proposing these warning labels to empower consumers and restrict deceptive marketing to children. However, despite strong public support and scientific evidence, the regulation remains unimplemented more than two years after its proposal.

Also read: Calling all foodies

“Protecting children means standing up to corporate power and putting health before profits,” said Nzama Mbalati, HEALA CEO. “Warning labels work. They’ve reduced sugary drink consumption and cut children’s exposure to junk food advertising in countries like Chile and Mexico. We have the evidence. What we don’t have is the political will to act.”

Research presented showed that 80% of over 6 700 packaged foods audited would require a warning label, with many using child-directed marketing and misleading health claims. Experts stressed that FoPWLs are not only a public health tool but a human rights obligation, with South African law recognising the state’s duty to protect children.

The event featured experts and legal professionals who emphasised the need for urgent action to curb Big Food’s relentless marketing tactics and make healthier food options accessible to all South African families.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates