South Africa is facing a growing burden of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases, Ahead of World Hypertension Day, HEALA is calling for stronger food labelling policies, including clear and effective front-of-pack warning labels, to help consumers make informed choices and reduce excessive salt consumption.
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, remains one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death in South Africa. Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns, many consumers still struggle to identify foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats due to complicated nutrition labels and misleading marketing on packaged foods.
Front-of-pack warning labels offer a practical, evidence-based solution. By placing simple to read, highly visible warnings on products that contain excessive levels of nutrients linked to poor health outcomes, such as sodium, these labels empower consumers to make healthier choices quickly and confidently.
South Africa has already demonstrated leadership in public health through progressive policies such as salt reduction regulations. In 2023 government released for public comment the R3777 Regulations Relating to the Labelling And Advertising of Food Stuff, in acknowledgement of the fact that stronger consumer information tools are needed to improve the overall health of South Africans, particularly as processed and ultra-processed foods become more common in household diets.
Three years later the regulations have yet to be implemented.
Research from countries like Chile, that have implemented front-of-pack warning labels shows that these measures can influence purchasing decisions, encourage manufacturers to reformulate products, and improve public understanding of nutrition risks.
South Africa has low nutrition label literacy. A 2011 study in the North West reported that “respondents did not always understand how to use the information on food labels in order to make informed food choices. When scientists quizzed study participants on how well they understood labels, test scores revealed that even frequent readers did not always understand how to use labels to make better food choices.
For South Africa where hypertension affects millions of adults and increasingly impacts younger populations pack warning labels represent an important opportunity to strengthen prevention efforts, reduce healthcare costs, and protect future generations.
HEALA is urging policymakers to ratify mandatory front-of-pack warning labels as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat hypertension and improve nutrition across the country.
South Africans have a right to know what is in their food. Clear warning labels are not just about information they are about prevention, empowerment, and saving lives.
