The majority of Jamaicans do not read food labels or know the Jamaican food groups (MOH, 2018). Food labels are placed inconveniently and do not display nutritional information in an easily understandable format. The lack of convenient labeling causes Jamaicans to consume large amounts of sugar, salt, and fats which negatively affect one's health and increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. Jamaicans have the right to understand what is in the food they are eating. Producers are responsible for conveying nutritional information in a way consumers understand. Although some argue it is the consumer's responsibility to be aware of the nutritional information of their food, this can only be accomplished if the information is easily accessible and identifiable. Consumers must be educated to be aware of the potential impacts the food they consume has on their health.
References
Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOH). (2018). Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III. Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://www.moh.gov.jm/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Jamaica-Health-and-Lifestyle-Survey-III-2016-2017.pdf