Islamabad, (Parliament Times): Excessive consumption of Ultra-Processed foods in our diet has significantly increased the risk of Cardio Vascular Diseases, Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and many other fatal diseases. They have excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. The lack of essential nutrients and fiber in ultra-processed foods deprives our bodies of the substance required for optimal well-being. Front-of-pack nutrition labeling on ultra-processed foods is a strategy effectively implemented in other countries to guide consumers toward healthier food choices. The government must implement mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed foods. This was stated by health professionals during a session on “Health Harms of Ultra-Processed Foods and Way Forward” organized by the Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians at a local hotel in Islamabad. Those who attended the session include the President of the Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians Dr. Mazhar Mirza, Consultant at Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) Mr. Munawar Hussain, Ex-Commissioner Mr. Abdul Hafeez, General Secretary of Pakistan Kidney Patients Welfare Association Mr. Ghulam Abbas, representatives of civil society and electronic and print media.
Dr. Mazhar Mirza said that Pakistan is facing a rapid increase in non-communicable diseases in recent years. One of the major reasons for this swift increase in NCDs is our unhealthy dietary patterns. Consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased significantly in Pakistan. These foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats leading to obesity, type 2 Diabetes, heart, and many other fatal diseases. We are now in an emergency-like situation and the government shall take immediate policy action on front-of-pack nutrition labels on ultra-processed foods. He said that the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PCQCA) under the Ministry of Science and Technology should regulate ultra-processed foods to reduce their consumption and promote healthier food choices.
Mr. Munawar Hussain consultant at Global Health Advocacy Incubator said that 60 % of all deaths in Pakistan are due to non-communicable diseases. Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of diabetes worldwide and if no immediate policy action is taken number of people living with diabetes will increase to 62 million by 2045. Cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes are among the major killers of Pakistanis. The increased consumption of ultra-processed products is among the major dietary risk factors of these chronic diseases and taking several lives. Front-of-pack nutrition labels and warning signs on ultra-processed foods are evidence-based strategies to educate people to make informed choices about the food they eat. He emphasized media to raise their voice for the mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labels and warning signs on all ultra-processed foods.
Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary at Pakistan National Heart Association said that media and civil society are the main pillars of a vibrant society. Media shall play its role in awareness raising among the public and policymakers on the health harms of ultra-processed foods and mobilize support for the enactment of evidence-based policies to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks. The front-of-pack nutrition labels and warning signs on foods high in salt, sugar, and fats are proven to be effective policy actions to reduce its consumption with significant health and economic gains for the countries. This is the time, and the policy makers including national and provincial food regulatory bodies in Pakistan must act to save thousands of lives in the country.