Front-of-pack labeling: a health literacy intervention to improve cardiovascular health in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

There is a surge in the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Over the last 50 years there has been a rapid growth in the consumption of ultra-processed food products high in salt, fat, and glycemic load in SSA. There is overwhelming evidence linking UPFP consumption to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, overall CVD, and all-cause mortality. Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) represents an important intervention to guide consumers towards healthier diets and ultimately contribute to the prevention of diet-related adverse health outcomes including CVD. This paper discusses the challenges in the development and implementation of FOPL systems in SSA, and proposes some key elements that would be critical for developing an effective FOPL system in SSA countries.