Tanzania’s nutrient model promotes healthier choices, labels

DAR ES SALAAM: THE development of a Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) is emerging as one of Tanzania’s key strategies to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The framework is expected to pave the way for Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL), helping consumers recognise harmful ingredients in packaged foods.

As NCDs continue to rise, health stakeholders are pushing forward with initiatives aimed at empowering citizens to make healthier food choices. NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers have become pressing health challenges in Tanzania.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs account for about 27 per cent of all deaths in the country. Contributing factors include urbanisation, changing diets and increased reliance on ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.

Experts point out that one of the key drivers of poor dietary choices is the lack of clear, accessible information on food content. Most consumers cannot interpret the small, technical nutritional information provided on packaging, leaving them vulnerable to unhealthy consumption patterns.

The Nutrient Profile Model is a scientific tool used to classify foods based on their nutritional composition. It sets thresholds for key nutrients such as sugar, salt, saturated fat and transfatty acids (TFAs).

If a product exceeds recommended levels, it is considered less healthy. For Tanzania, the NPM under development is expected to align with WHO Regional Office for Africa guidelines while considering local dietary habits, cultural contexts and industry realities.

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This means foods commonly consumed in the country, such as fried snacks, sugary drinks or processed staples, will be evaluated according to their nutrient content.

Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) is a consumerfriendly system that places simple warnings or ratings on the front of food packages. This allows shoppers to quickly identify products high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats. Countries such as Chile, Mexico and South Africa have adopted such systems, which have proven effective in reducing consumption of unhealthy foods.

In Tanzania, the NPM is seen as the cornerstone for implementing FOPL. Without a clear model defining what constitutes “high” or “low” levels of nutrients, it would be difficult to establish standardised warning labels. Once finalised, the NPM will provide regulators with a framework to categorise packaged foods and mandate appropriate labels.

Discussions around NPM began through the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC), the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and civil society organisations. Among the most active advocates has been the Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA), which has worked tirelessly to ensure that the rights of consumers, especially women and children, are protected against the growing threat of unhealthy diets.

TAWLA has joined forces with TBS, TFNC and other public health partners in pushing for a comprehensive NPM that will not only regulate industries but also empower citizens with information.

Their advocacy has included legal reviews, community awareness campaigns and policy dialogues highlighting the need for food regulations grounded in science and human rights.

Progress has been made in drafting the NPM, with consultations held among public health experts, nutritionists, legal bodies and food industry representatives. Pilot studies have assessed the nutritional content of popular packaged foods sold in Tanzanian markets.

Early findings confirm that a significant proportion contain excessive sugar, salt and fats, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures. While the framework is not yet finalised, stakeholders are optimistic that within the next few years Tanzania will roll out both the NPM and FOPL policies. Introducing FOPL in Tanzania could transform how citizens interact with food products.

Instead of struggling to understand complicated tables of nutrient values, consumers would see a simple warning such as “High in Sugar” or “Excess Salt” on the front of “Excess Salt” on the front of the packet. This system informs individual choices and creates broader social and industry impacts.

People gain the knowledge to choose healthier foods for themselves and their families. Food companies are pressured to reformulate products to meet healthier standards. And at the national level, clearer labelling can help reduce obesity,

hypertension and other diet-related conditions over time. Despite the promise, Tanzania faces several challenges in operationalising the NPM and FOPL system. One of the biggest is resistance from sections of the food and beverage industry, who argue that strict regulations could hurt their business.

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There are also concerns about enforcement, as regulatory bodies like TBS and TFNC will need resources to monitor compliance. Consumer awareness is another challenge. Labelling alone may not change behaviour unless supported by public education campaigns.

Experiences from countries that have implemented FOPL suggest the system can have significant benefits. In Chile, warning labels on sugary drinks and snacks led to a measurable reduction in consumption, particularly among children.

For Tanzania, adopting FOPL through the NPM could replicate these successes, especially if integrated into broader health campaigns addressing diet and lifestyle.

Ultimately, the NPM is more than just a regulatory framework, it is a public health tool. By providing the foundation for effective Front-of-Pack Labelling, it can help Tanzanians better understand the dangers hidden in packaged foods and take precautions against diet-related diseases.

As TAWLA Lawyer and health policy advocate, Mr Yosia Kimweli, recently said, “when we call for warning labels to be placed on the front of products, it is to help consumers know what is contained in the items they are buying, but more importantly, it is to help citizens understand the contents of these food products and be able to avoid the harmful effects that come from consuming them in excess.” The journey towards implementing the Nutrient Profile Model and Front-ofPack Labelling in Tanzania is still ongoing, but momentum is building.

With strong collaboration between government institutions, civil society organisations like TAWLA and international partners, Tanzania could soon join the growing number of countries using innovative labelling policies to protect public health.