Soaring Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in South Africa Sparks Call for Better Health Strategies

Recent research published in Public Health Nutrition has laid bare the stark reality of dietary challenges faced by South Africans, particularly those in low-income brackets. This groundbreaking study, spearheaded by Dr. Tamryn Frank from the University of the Western Cape, provides the first comprehensive look at South African consumption of ultra-processed foods, offering insights into not only the extent of the issue but also the pressing need for improved health strategies.

The research, which drew on data from over 2,500 participants across three low-income areas, revealed that ultra-processed foods comprise a staggering 40% of the average daily energy intake. This alarming trend was noted to be even higher among younger adults and contributing to a diet severely lacking in nutritional diversity. While calorie intake may be sufficient, the scarcity of essential fruits, vegetables, and naturally occurring fiber is evident, with only a small fraction of participants meeting WHO guidelines.

Alarmingly, this heavy reliance on ultra-processed foods is unfolding amidst a broader "nutrition transition" in South Africa. As income levels show an aggregate rise and Western dietary patterns are increasingly aspired to, the infiltration of multinational food corporations has been observed. Additionally, the legacy of apartheid plays a role in perpetuating unhealthy dietary trends, as many South Africans living in townships face limited access to quality, affordable healthy food options.

The recent Food Indaba 2024 in Cape Town underscored the urgency of the issue, with discussions emphasizing the disparity in supermarket shelf space—where ultra-processed foods overwhelmingly dominate. The study by Dr. Frank and her team points to this imbalance as a significant barrier to making healthier food choices.

As a result of their findings, the researchers have called on the South African government to devise robust measures to safeguard the population against the rise of ultra-processed foods, with a particular focus on those most susceptible to related health repercussions. One recommendation from the study is the possible imposition of measures akin to the successful Health Promotion Levy on sugary beverages. Such initiatives could not only deter consumption of harmful foods but also generate revenue to subsidize more nutritious options.

It is a clarion call for policymakers to take decisive action. The study suggests that the battle against malnutrition and the rise in obesity might well hinge on the government's ability to implement effective protective strategies against the proliferation of ultra-processed foods.