Health experts have urged government to regulate the sale and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) which are increasingly linked to cancer and other chronic diseases in children.
Addressing media at Makerere University, Professor Archileo Natigo Kaaya from the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, emphasized the growing health risk posed by UPFs in children’s diets.
“Nutrient profiling is a scientific method of classifying foods based on their nutritional content. This tool can help the government identify which foods are unhealthy and regulate their availability, especially to children,” Prof. Kaaya explained.
He warned that without a clear government policy, ultra-processed foods remain easily accessible and widely consumed by children contributing to rising cases of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially manufactured food products that include high levels of added sugar, salt, fats, and artificial additives, while lacking essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Examples include, Sugary soft drinks, packaged snacks, some breakfast cereals and Fast food meals
These foods are often aggressively marketed to children and families, especially in urban areas, making them a common part of many school lunches and home diets.
“The more children consume these products, the more they are exposed to long-term health risks. Yet, with no restrictions in place, these harmful foods are sold freely in shops and supermarkets,” Prof. Kaaya stressed.
Uganda launched the nutrition profiling tool in early 2024, but experts say its implementation has been slow. The model is meant to guide both policymakers and food producers in classifying foods based on their health impact.
If adopted, it would, Limit advertising of unhealthy foods, especially those targeting children
Prof. Kaaya and other health professionals are now calling on the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education to work together in enforcing the tool.
“This isn’t just about food it’s about saving lives and protecting the next generation. We need government regulation, and we need it now,” Kaaya stressed.
He also called for increased public education on the dangers of UPFs and encouraged parents to adopt healthier home meal practices.
The call to action comes amid a global shift, with many countries implementing similar nutrient profiling models to address rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to poor diets. Uganda now faces pressure to catch up with these global efforts to improve children’s health and reduce healthcare costs.