THE INTENTION IS TO SUPPORT CONSUMERS IN MAKING HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES.
Non Communicable Diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes and Cancer continue to be the leading cause of death in St Lucia. One of the major risk factors for these diseases is our consumption of an unhealthy diet. Childhood obesity remains a significant problem in Caribbean countries, Saint Lucia being no exception. Again, unhealthy diets and low physical activity are at the root of this condition which is challenging the health of our young ones from their early years. What is an unhealthy diet? A diet high in sugars, animal and processed fats and salts as well as low in fiber are considered to be unhealthy.
From 2018, the Bureau of Standards across the Caribbean region have been working on improving nutritional labels on food products we purchase in our various shops, stalls and supermarkets. The intention is to support consumers, irrespective of their ages, in making healthier food choices. We at the Ministry of Health endorse and support this initiative as it is the key to achieving an enabling environment for both people living with and without NCDs. It will support children and adults in making informed decisions about what they consume.
The process of voting for Octagonal Front of Package Warning Labels on Pre-packaged foods is currently underway in the Caribbean region and is now coming to an end. The Ministry of Health as well as many national health allies and stakeholder have voted.
In March 2021, the Healthy Caribbean Coalition in collaboration with PAHO, UNICEF and the OECS Commission launched the Campaign on Front of Package Warning Labelling. The theme, “Now more than ever, Better labels, better choices, better health” is being used to raise awareness of the impact of childhood obesity and NCDs and to promote children’s rights to nutritious food. The Ministry of Health and Wellness endorses this campaign as well as the labelling of pre-packaged foods as it encompasses our public health responsibility to promote health and wellness of all Saint Lucians across their lifespan.
Front of package warning labels are easy to see, to read and to understand. They are effective and important in protecting health and promoting well-being of every individual. These labels will further encourage us St Lucians to live our best life through better choices. Better nutrition labels help people make healthier choices and lead to better health. Let us do it together, we can!
