Front-of-Pack Labelling: citizens’ voices in the fight against NCDS

THE rising tide of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Tanzania has pushed citizens, health experts and civil society to call for stronger interventions that go beyond treatment and target prevention.

Among the most talked about solutions is the introduction of Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL), a consumer-friendly approach that aims to make food choices healthier, simpler and informed.

Across markets and households, ordinary Tanzanians are raising their voices on the need for clear information about what they eat.

“Sometimes you buy a snack and you cannot even tell how much sugar or fat is inside. If the packet had a clear label in front, it would be easier to decide whether it is good for my children,” said Ms Sarah John, a mother of three from Dar es Salaam.

Her concern echoes the experiences of many parents who struggle to protect their families from unhealthy diets, often without knowing the hidden dangers in processed foods.

Front-of-Pack Labelling provides nutrition information in a simplified form, often using colour codes, symbols or warning signs placed on the front of food packages. Unlike the traditional nutrition tables at the back, which are often complicated and technical, FOPL allows consumers to quickly see if a product is high in salt, sugar or unhealthy fats.

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This is crucial in Tanzania, where diet-related diseases are increasing and many consumers do not have the time or knowledge to interpret complex nutrition facts. For young people, who form a large part of Tanzania’s population, the stakes are even higher. Unhealthy eating habits, coupled with increased consumption of processed and fast foods, are fuelling early cases of hypertension, diabetes and obesity.

Mr Geofrey Mcharo, a university student in Dar es Salaam, expressed his frustration, saying, “as students, we are always rushing. If we had easy-to-read labels, we could avoid some of these junk foods without realising too late that they are dangerous.” Health experts have consistently warned that the rise of NCDs is straining families and the health system. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs are among the leading causes of death globally and countries like Tanzania are no exception.

The Ministry of Health has already highlighted the need for lifestyle changes, including better diets, as a preventive measure. In this context, FOPL is emerging as an advocacy tool not only for public awareness but also for policy action. Dr Hamad Nyembea, the Director of the Medical Department at the Ministry of Health, said, “the cost of treating NCDs is very high.

Therefore, we must collaborate to find the best ways to prevent these diseases. First, communities need to understand these illnesses well, and also to identify those affected early so that they can receive treatment and avoid severe complications.” Civil society organisations have been at the forefront of pushing for FOPL adoption in Tanzania.

Groups such as the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC), Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA), alongside advocacy partners, argue that simple, front-facing labels can empower citizens to make healthier choices and reduce the burden of NCDs.

Secretary-General of the Tanzania Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (TANCDA), Professor Kaushik Ramaiya, said that the private sector has been collaborating with the government in efforts to control these diseases to ensure effective management.

Indeed, FOPL is more than just a health intervention; it is a human rights issue. Access to clear information about food empowers citizens to protect their right to health. Citizens’ voices are increasingly framing it as an issue of fairness.

“Why should we be left in the dark when companies know exactly how much sugar they put in their products?” asked Mr Juma Hassan, a shop owner in Kigamboni. His statement underscores the demand for transparency and accountability in the food industry.

According to the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), a label must provide essential information to the consumer in line with product standards, including legal, environmental and market details. This information should include the product name, the name and address of the manufacturer, a list of ingredients, the country of origin, the date of manufacture, the expiry date and clear storage instructions.

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The advocacy for FOPL also links strongly with efforts to tackle child health issues. With hypertension and obesity increasingly affecting children, health campaigners argue that early interventions are crucial.

By providing parents and guardians with clear guidance at the point of purchase, FOPL could significantly reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy foods. However, while the momentum is growing, challenges remain.

Food manufacturers often resist stricter labelling regulations, arguing about costs and the fear of losing market share. Yet, evidence from countries that have adopted FOPL, such as Chile and Mexico, shows that labelling can influence purchasing decisions, encourage reformulation of unhealthy products and ultimately save lives. For Tanzania, adopting FOPL would align with the broader national strategies on health and nutrition.

It would also support the country’s commitments to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to good health and well-being. Advocacy groups are now calling on policymakers to fast-track discussions and adopt a clear FOPL framework that is standardised, mandatory and accessible to all citizens.

As Tanzanians continue to voice their frustrations and hopes, the message is becoming louder: The fight against NCDs must begin at the shelf. Whether it is a mother buying biscuits, a student grabbing a snack or a shopkeeper stocking products, the right to clear food information is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Front-of-Pack Labelling stands at the intersection of advocacy, policy and citizen empowerment. By amplifying the voices of ordinary people and pushing for stronger regulation, Tanzania has the chance to curb the silent epidemic of NCDs and create a healthier future for generations to come.