The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has asked the Federal Government to take stronger action against the rising consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) by mandating clear front-of-pack warning labels and tightening regulations on marketing practices.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Abayomi Sarumi, CAPPA’s Associate Director and Healthy Food Policy Manager, criticised the continued promotion of sugary drinks, particularly to children. “These drinks are still being advertised as if they’re healthy, especially in and around schools. That needs to stop,” he said.
Sarumi stressed the importance of introducing visible warning labels stating “High in Sugar” on the front of beverage containers, instead of hiding nutritional details on the back. He also called for marketing restrictions, including a ban on celebrity endorsements, which he said influence children’s preferences and create a false perception of healthiness.
“The impact of consuming too much sugar is just as serious as nicotine, especially in terms of addiction and mental health,” he said. According to Sarumi, sugary drinks should be treated with the same level of scrutiny as tobacco, including advertising bans and restrictions near schools.
