Introduction 

For many of us a food package with no label at all, labelled in non-translated Chinese, or containing only the name of the product are still a reality, particularly in informal markets. Despite the illegality of these products, consumers continue to buy them without claiming their rights, either because they are simply unaware of the rules or because the need to buy cheaply outweighs considerations of legality and product quality. However, buying unlabelled products is like buying blindfolded and may represent a real risk to consumers health. 

What Information should be on Food Labels?

As in other regions of the globe, in most African countries the legislation determines that food labels must contain essential, legible and comprehensible information to ensure consumer safety and transparency. Usually, this means that the label must be written or translated into a country’s official language and contain the basic information that will allow the consumer to do an informed choice considering it believes, social and health conditions. Common mandatory details include the product name, list of ingredients, net quantity, date marking (“best before,” “use by,” or “sell by” dates), name and address of the producer or importer, storage and usage instructions, allergen information, and nutritional information particularly when a health claim is made.

Why is it Relevant?

In addition to being illegal, the absence, inaccuracy or insufficiency of essential product information significantly undermines consumers’ ability to make informed choices and increases its vulnerability to fraud and/or health risks. For instance, without an expiry date, a food product may be consumed beyond its safety period, posing a serious health hazard. Similarly, without a clear list of ingredients and nutritional information, consumers cannot assess whether a product aligns with their dietary needs, making it difficult to safeguard their health and enhance their well-being. Furthermore, an unlabelled product cannot be traced, making it impossible to withdraw from the market if found to be harmful. This lack of traceability not only prevents efforts to stop its distribution but also makes it impossible to identify its origin and hold responsible parties accountable.

Conclusion

Labels are an essential tool for communicating vital product information to consumers. Buying an unlabelled product or one with unclear details is akin to purchasing something blindly. Therefore, beyond being a legal requirement, labels should be actively demanded by consumers and used as a key criterion when selecting food products. Although the sale of non-compliant products is prohibited, the sheer volume of items on the market and the variety of selling locations make systematic identification and removal challenging. Particularly in countries where informal markets are widely spread and inspection mechanisms may face diverse constraints. By choosing not to purchase and reporting the sale of unlabelled or mislabelled products, consumers play a crucial role in regulating the market and safeguarding public health. So, the next time you go shopping, remember—you have the right to be informed, to make informed choices, and to protect your health. If a product lacks a label or contains incorrect or incomplete information, speak up and claim it!

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