Bamenda:Media Commits to Raise Awareness on Front-of Page Labeling

 

Over 15 media professionals in Bamenda, the capital of the North West Region, have committed to educating the public about the importance of reading product labels before consumption in order to avoid and ameliorate the growth of non-communicable diseases in the country.

This occurred during a one-day workshop hosted by the Reconciliation and Development Association RADA, on Friday, June 30th, 2023, aimed at increasing public understanding and support for front-of-package legislation in Cameroon. 

The Reconciliation and Development Association CEO Ferdinant M. Sonyuy emphasized the need for food manufacturers to put appropriate front-of-package labeling of their to promote responsible consumption while commiting the media to educating the public about it's essence and role in fighting non-communicable disease like cancer, stroke and a host of others.

CEO RADA, Ferdinant M. Sonyuy

"We are advocating for front-of-package labeling legislation that will mandate producers to place the most appropriate front-of-package label on their products so that customers can decide whether or not to consume the product. We anticipate that the media will continue to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of an unhealthy diet and campaign for legislation that protects consumers if they consume a product that has harmful ingredients." CEO of RADA, Ferdinant M. Sonyuy enunciates.

Reporter Neba Jerome from Herald Tribune North West Region expressed appreciation for Reconciliation and Development Association's work and pledged to produce articles on the topic, inspiring the public.

"The Workshop was extremely beneficial to me because I frequently buy products without reading the front-of-package labeling." That will be the first thing I do from now on, since it will help me pick what to ingest and what not to drink. As a journalist, I will create stories to educate the public on the importance of reading the front of the packaging before consumption."  Reporter, Neba Jerome says

The front-of-page labeling legislation in Cameroon aims to promote transparency in the food industry by requiring producers to disclose nutritional information to  ensure consumers make informed decisions, maintain a healthy diet, and prevent non-communicable diseases. Media professionals are expected to inform and educate the public while calling on food manufacturers to be transparent, prioritizing community health and well-being.

Participants, media practitioners 

The Reconciliation and Development Association Cameroon is a non-profit organization that seeks to support community development by building bridges to sustainable solutions in the domain of health, education, agriculture, technology, sustainable peace and environmental protection. 

By Pechuqui Laurata

Photo Credit: RADA