Kenya's New Nutrient Profile Model to Combat Unhealthy Food Choices
The Kenyan Ministry of Health has raised concerns about the nutritional quality of consumable foods available in the market, highlighting that most products fail to meet the required standards for proper nutrition. This issue has prompted a significant initiative aimed at improving public health and reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
According to the 2025 Kenya Market Assessment Report, only 10% of processed and packaged food items meet the nutrient threshold established by the Kenya Nutrient Profile Model (NPM). Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni emphasized the importance of proper food labeling as a key strategy to address this growing health concern.
Understanding the Nutrient Profile Model
The NPM is designed to set specific thresholds for fats, sugar, and salt across 21 categories of food products. These categories include beverages, dairies, snacks, and cereals. Foods such as sodas, juices, energy drinks, biscuits, confectionery, dairy products, ice cream, edible oils, and breakfast items are all subject to these guidelines.
Muthoni pointed out that many of these products are marketed to children, often without considering their health implications. "If you go to a supermarket with a child, these are the foods they will pick," she said, underscoring the need for better consumer awareness.
Once the model is fully developed, front-of-package labeling will be used to indicate whether a product is healthy or unhealthy based on its nutrient content. This initiative aims to empower consumers to make informed choices at the point of purchase.
Development of the Nutrient Profile Model
Kenya’s journey toward implementing the NPM began with the collaboration between the International Legislative Affairs and the Ministry of Health. The development of this model involved extensive efforts to address initial gaps and ensure it aligns with global best practices.
Gideon Ogutu, a program officer at IILA, highlighted the significance of this achievement. "It took a lot of effort for us to come up with an NPM because the first document had a lot of gaps that needed to be addressed," he said. He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for leading the process, which ultimately led to the successful creation of the NPM.
Front-of-Package Warning Labels
One of the core components of the NPM is the introduction of front-of-package warning labels (FOPWL). These labels aim to inform consumers about potential health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and beverages. They are particularly useful for identifying products high in saturated fat, sugar, or sodium, which are linked to NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Several countries, including Chile, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Israel, and Argentina, have already implemented similar labeling systems. Kenya's model draws inspiration from these success stories as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Design and Implementation of the Labels
The design of the FOPWLs features an octagonal shape, symbolizing a stop or warning sign. The black and white color scheme was chosen for its neutrality and relatability. Ogutu explained that this design choice was intentional, as it effectively communicates the warning message to consumers.
Anne Swakei of the Non-Communicable Disease Alliance of Kenya emphasized the importance of these labels not only for individuals living with diabetes but also for those affected by other NCDs such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Swakei stressed that the implementation of these labels will only be effective if accompanied by proper awareness and sensitization campaigns. She noted that not everyone who lives with NCDs can read and write, making it essential for the Ministry of Health and other partners to conduct thorough educational initiatives.
Additionally, she highlighted the need for clear communication about the purpose and placement of the labels. "The campaign messages should consider this and also inform the consumers on what parts of the products they will be placed," she said.
Conclusion
Kenya's new Nutrient Profile Model represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing health challenges posed by poor dietary choices. By implementing front-of-package warning labels, the country aims to empower consumers and reduce the incidence of NCDs. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders have resulted in a model that is both innovative and aligned with global standards. As the initiative moves forward, continued education and awareness will be crucial to ensuring its success.
Posting Komentar