We need to put the health of our people first

IWRITE on behalf of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ) in relation to the article in The Sunday Gleaner, June 27, written on behalf of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association (JMEA). The ‘Right to Know’ campaign for front-ofpackage labelling (FOPL) represents a commitment to the health of Jamaicans by the HFJ support for government policy initiatives that are aligned with local, regional and global health objectives. The HFJ, in its 50-year history of service, remains committed to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Jamaica needs an effective FOPL to ensure that all consumers can identify, understand, and make informed healthier food choices, thereby protecting the basic human rights to health and information. A robust study done among Jamaican consumers concluded the ‘high in’ black octagon FOPL model was most effective in positively influencing healthier food choices. The study conducted by Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), PAHO and UTech compared several FOPL models, including some used by Jamaica’s trading partners. Research from other countries show similar evidence. The JMEA’s disregard of this evidence is therefore questionable since their proposal seeks to retain models proven to be least understood and ineffective in encouraging healthier selections.

We note the positive declaration by the JMEA to support FOPL, broadly. FOPL is a simple and practical public education tool, designed primarily for consumers to easily make informed, healthier food choices. Yet, in spite of conclusive local and international evidence, the JMEA continues to disregard and object to the model determined as most beneficial to Jamaican consumers. To hinder Jamaicans‘Right to Know’cannot be in the best health and economic interests of consumers.

REFUTED IN SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE

The JMEA argues its belief that multiple FOPL systems are likely more beneficial to consumers. However, this notion has been repeatedly refuted in the scientific literature wherein using multiple systems only serve to confuse the consumer. Is the intention to put Jamaican consumers at the disadvantage?

FOPL is first and foremost a publichealth matter. Why is i mplementing the most helpful FOPL for Jamaicans different or more problematic for trade than current practice? Any label change, including FOPL, may incur cost. Sticker labels provide an affordable option and are popular among small manufacturers. Also, companies readily adjust their labels in compliance with varying trade partner laws (e.g. Canada, the USA, and the UK have different labelling laws). Labels also undergo changes for foreign-language translations, to reformat expiry dates, and seasonal/event marketing campaigns.

With no existing global norm for FOPL, countries can exercise their sovereign right to implement laws to protect the health of their citizens. Labelling regulations apply to both local and imported products. There is no justification that relabelling of goods with FOPL should be considered more onerous. We underscore that the health of the Jamaican population is just as important as the health of the population of our trading partners.

Allusions that unhealthy eating is primarily attributable to poverty demonstrates a limited understanding of the complexities affecting nutrition in Jamaica. We do welcome the creation of high-quality, better-paying jobs. However, this has not protected current high-income groups from contracting NCDs. The sheer availability and aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods has created a dependence that encompasses all socio-economic groups.

CYCLE OF POVERTY

Rather, NCDs perpetuate the cycle of poverty by draining scarce household resources and productivity. Government expenditures on NCDs are best redirected to improve other health/nutrition systems and support productive sectors, including the food/agriculture industries, all of which can spur job creation and productivity.

FOPL will not be required on local or imported products unless nutrient levels (e.g. salt, sugar, fat) exceed certain thresholds. These amounts are already listed on food labels, but the FOPL format makes it easier and more readily understood. FOPL will encourage companies to improve their product portfolios through reformulations and refined selection criteria to provide healthier options for Jamaican consumers. We commend the many Jamaican manufacturers who are working to improve the healthfulness of their portfolio.

The article concurs that a change in consumption to more natural products is necessary. The octagonal FOPL system supports these public-health goals. Education campaigns are also necessary, but should support the octagonal FOPL system. We cannot expect the octagon model to influence NCD outcomes in the short term. The NCD burden did not happen overnight and it will take time to halt and reverse through a suite of effective strategies and policies, including FOPL.

Private interests sometimes exert undue influence over government policy decisions to avoid or shape regulations in their favour. Industry lobbying tactics (including delaying, arguing of implementation difficulties or trade restrictiveness, claiming lack of evidence, casting doubt on existing evidence) are well documented in the 2019 World Cancer Research Fund document‘Building momentum: lessons on implementing a robust front-of-pack food label’ ( https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/PPA-BuildingMomentum-2-WEB.pdf). However, it is the Government’s responsibility to protect public-interest efforts to improve and protect population health.

Jamaica is signatory to the UN Declaration on Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Every citizen has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and family, including the right to healthy nutritious foods. The black octagon FOP warning label unequivocally supports this right of our citizens by helping consumers make informed nutrition decisions.

As we continue to navigate COVID-19, it is cause for alarm that Jamaicans risk being more susceptible to severe COVID19 outcomes because of our high rates of NCDs. We must put the health of our people first.