A report released recently by the Consumer Council of Fiji delved deeper into the landscape of tobacco control in Fiji, with a particular focus on a distinct challenge — suki, a tobacco product traditionally consumed in the country. In the report titled Smoke Signal: Understanding the Drivers of Suki Consumption in Fiji 2024, the council states the Tobacco Control Act (2010) lacks clarity regarding the regulations applicable to suki. Whether suki falls under the Act’s advertising bans, labelling requirements, and health warning provisions remains unclear.
A SIGNIFICANT finding of the survey is that only 55 per cent of respondents were aware of the health risks associated with suki consumption. Furthermore, 28 per cent of the respondents believed that suki has a lower health risk compared to cigarettes, states the report. This highlights a concerning knowledge gap among the Fijian population. Many people who use suki are unaware of the potential dangers they are exposing themselves to, creating a barrier to quitting and jeopardising their long-term health, the report said.
Transition from cigarettes to suki
The report states a staggering 98 per cent of respondents reported having smoked cigarettes previously or are current smokers. This high prevalence of cigarette use indicates a significant population segment susceptible to transitioning to suki. The survey findings suggest that suki use might not necessarily represent a new habit for many Fijians, but rather a substitute for commercially manufactured cigarettes, states the report.
When asked about the reasons for transitioning from cigarettes to suki, cost emerged as the primary factor (71 per cent). By addressing the economic factors driving the transition from cigarettes to suki, coupled with efforts to dispel misconceptions and make cessation programs more accessible, public health interventions can empower Fijians to make informed choices about their health, states the report.
Furthermore, strengthening regulations to control the suki market can create a more supportive environment for those seeking to quit all forms of tobacco.
The report said on the transition from cigarettes to suki underscores the complexity of the issue.
“Public health strategies need to be multifaceted, addressing affordability, availability, and misconceptions to achieve a tobacco-free future for Fiji. By implementing a comprehensive approach, we can empower Fijians to break free from the grip of tobacco dependence and embrace a healthier lifestyle,” states the report.
Fiji’s tobacco control legislation
Fiji’s Tobacco Control Act (2010) has ambiguity regarding suki regulations and despite separate definitions, the Act lacks clarity on whether provisions related to advertising bans, labelling requirements, and health warnings for cigarettes also apply to suki, states the report.
This ambiguity creates a loophole that the suki industry can exploit, hindering public health efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of suki use. There is also unregulated nicotine content in suki.
“The Act mandates regulations for tar and nicotine content in tobacco products, but suki, often sold unpackaged, falls outside this regulatory scope. This lack of regulation makes it difficult to inform consumers about the nicotine content of Suki and its potential for addiction,” states the report.
Clarity on suki regulations
The report calls to amend the Tobacco Control Act to explicitly include suki within its regulatory scope. This ensures suki adheres to the same advertising bans, labelling requirements, and health warning regulations as commercially manufactured cigarettes.
However, this will require additional feasibility study and there is also a need to ensure that it does not negatively affect local producers.
The report states explicit inclusion eliminates ambiguity and ensures suki is not exempt from crucial public health measures that have proven effective in reducing tobacco use.
The report also states for a standardised packaging for suki.
“This allows for the inclusion of health warnings and information about nicotine content, similar to cigarette packaging. Standardised packaging can also make suki less appealing, particularly to youth,” states the report.
Standardised packaging reduces the influence of branding and marketing tactics that can glamorise suki use. Additionally, information about nicotine content empowers consumers to make informed choices about the potential addictiveness of different suki varieties, states the report.
Regulations for the maximum permissible nicotine content in suki also has to be established.
The report states this empowers consumers to make informed choices about the potential addictiveness of different suki varieties.
“Setting limits on nicotine content can potentially reduce the dependence forming potential of suki and discourage heavier use. || Beyond the Scope || 6th July 2024
