Cape Town - Better labels will result in more informed and healthier food choices, ultimately reducing the burden of diseases.
This was the sentiment shared as part of the recently launched #whatsinourfood campaign by advocacy group Healthy Living Alliance (Heala), calling on government to demand that food and beverage companies put clear front-of-package (FoPL) labels on food items high in fat, sugar and salt.
The campaign was highlighted through an interactive cooking masterclass session with well-known cookbook author and TV personality Zola Nene at Food Jams, Salt River, on Wednesday.
Heala programme manager Nzama Mbalati said we needed to return to real, well-grown, unprocessed food – fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, seafood and pasture-raised animal products.
“Eating real, whole food is often a question of accessibility. What choice do you have when you can’t afford healthy food? In addition, the food and beverage companies unfairly and disproportionately target unhealthy products at low-income communities.
“Our communities should not be shamed for the choices they are forced to make. Instead, the important driver of long-term change will be for us all to demand policy changes from government,” Mbalati said.
Nene stressed the importance of cooking with fresh, colourful, seasonal vegetables, grass-fed protein, grains and ripe fruits and berries.
University of Limpopo senior lecturer in human nutrition and dietetics Makoma Bopape said: “All these unhealthy foods lead to medical complications and unfortunately the money that households spend on medical costs is actually taking away money that they could be channelling towards purchasing healthy food.”
Health Department chief director Dr Lynn Moeng-Mahlangu said cardiac problems, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and cancers would be greatly reduced through the introduction of healthier foods.
“I don’t think people understand that what you eat is actually going to determine your health outcomes from an early age.”
shakirah.thebus@inl.co.za