South Africa suffers from high levels of hunger, food insecurity, and obesity — all of which are consequences of the country’s broken food system. It is only by fixing it that the country will be able to guarantee everyone equitable access to affordable, nutritious food.
Chew on This is a new web series that looks into corporate control over our nutrition and calls on viewers to join the debate.
The pilot episode, by the Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA), launched this month , focuses on how major food corporations are impacting consumers’ rights to nutritious food.
This first episode is themed, “How is Big Food violating our right to healthy food?,” and sparks a crucial debate on the pressing issue of the operations of "Big Food" and its impact on public health, food justice and consumer rights.
Hosted by Crystal Orderson, an acclaimed South African journalist with over two decades of experience, the episode brings together leading experts in economics, food policy and the law, namely: Nzama Mbalati, acting interim CEO of HEALA and social activist; Sasha Stevenson, Executive Director from Section27; Nomonde Buthelezi, a food activist, urban farmer and co-founder Food Agency Cape Town; as well as Mervyn Abrahams, programme co-ordinator, Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity.
“We want to draw attention to the aggressive marketing strategies employed by Big Food corporations,” says Mbalati. “These corporations often prioritise profits over public health by promoting ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar and fat, particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as children and economically disadvantaged groups, which exposes them to life-altering conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.”
View this post on Instagram
A recent study by Public Eye, a Swiss investigative organisation found that Nestlé, the world’s largest consumer goods company, adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in South Africa and many other developing countries on the continent and Asia, contrary to WHO guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases which say no added sugars or sweetening agents should be permitted in any food for children under three.1
The panel discussion looks to the constitution within which the right to food is enshrined, a right that is undermined by the industry-driven overconsumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods consumed by many because they are cheap. “The conversation highlights the impact of Big Food on public health, particularly in driving obesity and related health problems, especially among vulnerable populations,” says Stevenson.
“Food prices have become unaffordable, and that forces low-income households to go for the cheapest foods available,” says Abrahams. “And, of course, the cheapest foods available are the foods with the highest sugar content.”
The series highlights the need for evidence-based policies and regulations as a means of change.
HEALA and its communication partner, Community Media Trust, aim to use this series to encourage widespread dialogue that promotes a more equitable food system that improves how food is produced, marketed, and consumed.
“Our hope is that by exposing these practices and promoting informed discussion, the series will contribute to a movement towards a more equitable and health-conscious food system,” concludes Mbalati.
Visit the HEALA website to view the first episode and follow #chewonthis on social media to be a part of the conversation and hear more about when the next episode is set to launch.
