02 Sep ‘Better strategies needed to protect South Africans against ultra-processed foods’

A recent Daily Maverick article draws attention to a new South African study that reveals that ultra-processed foods make up nearly 40% of daily energy intake among low-income adults. The research, published in January 2024, examined over 2,500 participants from low-income areas in the Western and Eastern Cape. While most participants met energy intake requirements, few consumed adequate fruits, vegetables, and fibre. Only a quarter of women achieved dietary diversity, indicating a lack of micronutrients despite sufficient macronutrient intake.

South Africa’s nutrition transition, influenced by rising incomes and Western diets, is compounded by the apartheid legacy’s impact on food environments. Supermarkets allocate more shelf space to unhealthy options, limiting healthy choices.

The study emphasises the need for government intervention to protect South Africans, especially low-income individuals, from the proliferation of ultra-processed foods. Recommendations include implementing measures similar to the successful Health Promotion Levy on sugary beverages and using the revenue to subsidise healthier food options.

This article originally appeared on the Daily Maverick on 30 August 2024.