By Bunmi Yekini
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health and food regulation sectors have urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to lift its suspension of the Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) Heart Mark logo, describing it as a key tool for guiding healthier food choices and tackling rising cardiovascular disease.
The call came as the NHF launched its first Heart Mark Logo Month ahead of a national summit in Lagos aimed at boosting awareness of heart-friendly nutrition and preventive healthcare.
The Heart Mark Food Labelling Programme, introduced in 2003 in partnership with NAFDAC and the food industry, allows consumers to identify healthier food options through front-of-pack labels, the foundation said.
“Cardiovascular diseases are on the rise in Nigeria, and unhealthy diets remain a major driver. The Heart Mark logo provides a simple, reliable guide to help consumers make healthier food choices at a glance,” NHF Executive Director Kingsley Akinroye said at a press conference.
Stakeholders warned that the suspension has already affected several certified products, including vegetable oils, milk and packaged water, which previously carried the label.
They said the logo is awarded only after rigorous scientific evaluation, including checks on cholesterol, saturated and trans fats, sodium, sugar, fibre and potassium levels. Products must first be approved by NAFDAC before undergoing further assessment by the NHF.
“Only products that meet strict heart-health standards are endorsed. This is not a casual certification – it is science-based and regularly reviewed,” Akinroye added.
NAFDAC, however, defended the suspension, saying it was needed to strengthen oversight of health claims associated with the label.
“A product carrying a heart-friendly logo gives consumers strong confidence. We must ensure such claims are fully backed by scientific evidence to avoid misleading the public,” said Jada Abdulrazak, a senior official in the agency’s nutrition division, speaking on behalf of Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye.
The regulator said it is working with the NHF to harmonise standards in line with national and international requirements.
Despite this, health experts and advocacy groups, including the Nutrition Society of Nigeria and the Non-communicable Diseases Alliance Nigeria, stressed that the logo remains a critical preventive tool as Nigeria faces increasing cases of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
They highlighted unhealthy diets, particularly high salt intake, as a major contributor. Nigeria’s average daily salt consumption is estimated at about 10 grams per person, double the recommended maximum.
“What people eat plays a critical role in either preventing or managing cardiovascular diseases. Promoting healthier food options must remain a national priority,” said Amaka Nwaora, representing the Nutrition Society of Nigeria.
Researchers at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) said the programme also encourages food manufacturers to improve product standards.
The Heart Mark Logo Month, running from April 14 to May 15, will include advocacy visits to government agencies, engagements with lawmakers and public sensitisation campaigns in Lagos and Abuja.
NAFDAC said its collaboration with the NHF, backed by a memorandum of understanding signed in August 2024, reflects a shared goal of reducing non-communicable diseases through stronger food regulation and consumer education.
However, stakeholders maintained that restoring the logo would boost consumer confidence and reinforce efforts to promote healthier lifestyles.