by Curlan Campbell
- In 2021, Grenada, Guyana, and Jamaica voted NO on Final Standard
- 14 October 2023 deadline given to all Caricom countries to turn in their vote
- Octagonal Warning Labels Help Consumers #Act on Facts campaign launched 25 September
Caricom countries are voting on whether to approve the Front-of-Package Warning Labelling (FOPWL). If approved, the octagonal warning label system will be added to food packaging containing high levels of sugars, sodium, and fats. These levels will follow the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model. A 14 October deadline has been given to all the Caricom countries to turn in their vote to accept or reject the regional standard.
In 2021, Grenada, Guyana, and Jamaica voted NO on the Final Standard (FDCRS 5), which meant only 66% (6/9) of Caricom countries voted in favour. Some countries were divided on the issue, and some abstained from voting. The standard was approved by Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, and Suriname. At the same time, Haiti, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago abstained.
Not achieving a consensus has delayed the adoption process that started in 2018. In Grenada and in a region where noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 75% of mortality and 73% of premature mortality, Dr Sonia Nixon, representative of the National Noncommunicable Chronic Disease Commission, said citizens must be empowered to make an informed decision when purchasing food items by being able to identify foods high in sugar, sodium and fats easily. Dr Nixon also shared concern about the high rates of childhood obesity linked to ultra-processed foods. She admitted that this process will not be completed overnight and has pledged to continue sensitising Grenadians on the need to push for the adoption of the policy.
Dr Nixon understands that small islands like Grenada have small-scale manufacturing industries, so the standard’s adoption will be an extra expense. However, she believes it is crucial to educate the population to avoid potential health crises for future generations.
In the UK, a levy imposed 7 years ago on sugary drinks motivated companies to change their products. Companies paid more tax for beverages with high sugar content and less tax for drinks with lower sugar content. Beverages under 5g per 100ml do not have to pay the levy. Companies like Lucozade Ribena Suntory, the makers of Lucozade Energy took a decision in 2016 to lower the sugar content in its drinks by over 50%. But companies like Coca-Cola opted not to reformulate which means that Coca-Cola Classic attracts a higher rate due to its 10.6g per 100ml sugar content, while products like Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke are exempt.
Dr Nixon indicated that the National Noncommunicable Chronic Disease Commission was confronted with questions concerning why they opted for a consultative approach to address this issue, rather than lobby the government to enact laws like their UK counterparts. She stated they have “tried to be as consultative as possible” and that our “approach must be non-confrontational but in the interest of the well-being of our population because we still see that chronic diseases affecting such a large percentage of our population.”
The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) with the support of PAHO, GHAI and in collaboration with partners CARPHA, UNICEF, and the OECS, launched a digital campaign across the Caribbean — Octagonal Warning Labels Help Consumers #Act on Facts — on 25 September. The campaign is expected to run until 31 October 2023.
In the meantime, the National Noncommunicable Chronic Disease Commission recently held a public awareness drive with members providing information and getting public feedback. Dr Nixon revealed that stemming from public feedback, front-of-package warning labels on products will deter them from purchasing products high in sugars, sodium and fats.
