ABOUT 67 per cent of adults in Fiji are overweight or obese.
This was confirmed by the Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, at the launch of the Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) workshop at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
Dr Lalabalavu said they were not just statistics, but warning signals which demanded action from the public in every sector.
“Our problems commence from our children to adults, and that number is increasing as the years pass,” he said.
The workshop, attended by stakeholders from the government, health, and industry, marked what Dr Lalabalavu described as a crucial shift “from awareness to accountability”.
“FOPNL is not about adding more information, it’s about delivering the right information in a way that is visible, understandable, and immediately useful to everyday consumers,” he said.
“In a market flooded with processed and ultra-processed foods, clear front-of-pack labelling becomes more than a tool.
“It becomes a public health safeguard.”
He acknowledged Fiji’s progress in tackling nutrition-related health issues, such as introducing taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and implementing healthier food policies in schools, but gaps were also seen in the country’s regulatory framework, which remained a serious concern.
He also highlighted what he called an “imbalance in participation” in policymaking.
“Our food laws already contain the seeds of progress, and our Food Safety Act of 2003, while foundational, was not built to address the complexity of modern nutrition challenges.
“It lacks a premarket product registration system, which makes it difficult to enforce consistent labelling standards.
“They do not cover the full range of unhealthy foods and beverages aggressively marketed to older children using cartoons, social media, and sponsorships.
“The law currently allows food industry representation in advisory committees, but not enough space for civil society or independent public health experts, which needs to change.
“This is our opportunity to develop a clear, coordinated plan to implement FOPNL and responsible food marketing regulations that protect all Fijians, especially our children.”