Packaging with a Purpose: Front-of-package warning labels projected to reduce NCD deaths

Ground-breaking research by The University of the West Indies (UWI), in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), reveals that easy-to-understand front-of-package warning labels could potentially reduce noncommunicable (NCD)-related deaths by 16% for Barbados where NCDs account for 8 out of every 10 deaths. This could translate to savings of up to USD $732.8 million.

The modelling study, which is the first of its kind in the Caribbean and part of a series in several countries of the Americas, focuses on the impact of octagonal front of package warning labels (OWLs) in the fight against NCDs. It examined the link between behavioural habits, such as diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption, and deaths from 24 distinct NCDs.  Data was primarily sourced from a national survey undertaken by the University of the West Indies (the Barbados National Salt Study), which analysed the dietary habits of adults over the age of 25. It compared the current situation, devoid of any labels, with an alternative scenario implementing the OWLs proposed by the Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The findings highlight that introducing these OWLs has the potential to shape healthful consumer choices. This is attributed to consumers’ positive response to the clear and easily understandable information on the labels. Such clarity leads to a reduction in the consumption of critical ingredients such as sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, thereby diminishing the health risks associated with NCDs. Moreover, the study highlights the considerable economic benefits tied to these health improvements, notably in terms of improved workforce productivity and wider economic advantages.

In this region, persistent issues include non-communicable chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, coupled with their related risk factors. These ailments often result in early deaths, escalated illnesses, and disabilities. This research is therefore both timely and critical, as it accentuates the benefits of urgently rolling out OWLs to ensure individuals have the means to make more informed dietary choices.

Building on ongoing initiatives, this research offers vital evidence-based backing for the urgent need to address NCDs in the region. In the wake of the Bridgetown Declaration, Caribbean policymakers have intensified their efforts, taking targeted and decisive measures to hasten the reduction of NCDs within Small Island Developing States (SIDS) regions. This study reinforces the collective endeavours of organisations such as PAHO, the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and research entities in the public interest, to provide the population with the best policy options to protect public health.

These entities are at the forefront, driving awareness about OWLs in the public sphere and supporting their adoption in ongoing policy-making deliberations.  Without effective measures and decisive actions to prevent unhealthy diets, NCDs will unfortunately increase, with irreversible consequences on health, economic development and productivity.  PAHO will continue to support initiatives and policies that help control and prevent NCDs in the region.

Read the study summary here.

For more in-depth information, the upcoming webinar: What is happening with food labels in the Caribbean, please visit:

https://www.paho.org/en/events/webinar-what-happening-food-labels-caricom

https://iris.paho.org/bitstream/handle/10665.2/57989/PAHONMHRF230040_eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y