The Consumer Council of Fiji has officially launched its “Label Logic” report, aimed at advocating for enhanced food labeling regulations, increased public awareness, and improved accountability within the food industry. Council CEO Seema Shandil emphasized the importance of this initiative in light of growing consumer concerns regarding food safety and labeling transparency.
The report presents key recommendations to refine labeling policies, calling for clear front-of-pack systems such as traffic light indicators or warning labels, akin to those implemented in Australia and Chile. Shandil highlighted that while food labeling may appear trivial, it is a vital instrument for fostering public health improvements.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica echoed these sentiments, stating that proper labeling is a fundamental consumer right. He pointed out the rising health issues in Fiji, including non-communicable diseases largely attributed to poor dietary choices driven by misleading packaging. Kamikamica stressed the necessity for businesses to not only produce quality food but to communicate transparently with consumers.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts within the Ministry of Trade to amend the Food Safety Act and Consumer Council Act, which have faced criticism for lacking provisions that allow for public naming of deceptive businesses. Kamikamica has indicated that the government is considering legislative changes to enhance oversight and ensure accountability.
The Council has intensified its commitment to consumer protection, noting recent inspections that uncovered serious food safety violations, such as the sale of expired products and unsanitary supermarket conditions. The overarching goal is to enable consumers to make informed choices about the food they purchase, fostering a more trustworthy marketplace.
Recent discussions within the Consumer Council reflect a broader push for ethical trading practices and consumer empowerment in Fiji. There is a growing trend among residents advocating for a healthier lifestyle, with local campaigns encouraging increased vegetable consumption.
These advancements present a positive outlook for the future of food safety in Fiji, with collaborative efforts between government bodies, health officials, and consumers aimed at establishing a safer and healthier dining environment across the nation.
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