Urgent need for front-of-package warning labels

Our current COVID-19 environment has emphasised the urgency of the need to introduce systems and interventions such as front-of-package warning labels to help in the push for better control and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

As a result, during yesterday’s virtual ‘We Support Front-of- Package Warning Labels’ campaign launch, Chief Executive Officer of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados, Michelle Daniel, stated that they were partnering with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Jamaica as a way to strengthen their efforts and message on the importance of these warning labels.

“The intent is to make choices effortless for the consumer. The average consumer, which may include some of us at this launch, may already be overwhelmed by the food choices available to us in the stores and supermarkets, coupled this with a stress that is caused by personal medical or professional circumstances. How much relief there is likely to be if each person can select any package item, and in a single glance be able to determine that that is the right choice for him or her based on the life or health choices. That is what makes the front-of-package warning label so fundamentally important,” she said.

“As such, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados categorically states its continued commitment to advocating for childhood obesity prevention policies, such as front-of-package warning labels. This is a key policy tool which can be used to effectively regulate our environments. It can and should be the game change we need to have in place, so as to allow all persons to be better place to make informed choices. Ultimately, it's about being able to have options, and to make those choices because we want to lead healthier lives.”

Daniel noted that the power of “like-minded voices singing from the same hymn sheet” could not be understated or undervalued and as such she was pleased to be partnering with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Jamaica, their first regional collaboration for this cause.

She commended the Government of Barbados for its stand in voting for octagonal front-of-package warning labels and expressed that she was eagerly looking forward to them forging ahead and leading the frontier on this very important issue.

Suleiman Bulbulia, Chair of the Barbados Coalition on Childhood Obesity stated that the ensuing pandemic has shown that we can no longer ignore the NCD problem.

“Let's continue to put our people's health first. Foods high in sodium, fats and sugar increased the risk of hypertension, obesity, type two diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Which side are you on – the health of consumers or the unhealthy food industry? The health of our people must come first! Give us octagonal height in front- of-package-warning labels,” he said.