How instant noodles and flavoured chips are slowly killing Zimbabwe’s children

How instant noodles and flavoured chips are slowly killing Zimbabwe’s children

While flavored snacks and noodles are convenient and easy to prepare, they are slowly harming Zimbabwe’s children.

A worrying new study by the Zimbabwe Livelihood Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) has revealed that Zimbabwe is facing an obesity crisis among infants and young children. The 2024 report shows obesity levels of 5.2% in this age group, largely driven by the prevalence of unhealthy and oddly flavoured snacks and drinks.

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How instant noodles and flavoured snacks are slowly killing Zimbabwe’s children

According to the results, consumption of flavoured snacks and sugary drinks in Zimbabwe has been associated with nutritional deficiencies and shorter stature in one-year-old children. These unhealthy eating habits acquired in the early years of life often persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing chronic diseases later in life.

Speaking to Health timesChj Chikanda, a nutritionist at the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), warned that while flavoured foods and snacks may be convenient, they pose significant health risks. Chikanda explained that food colourings and flavourings used in these products have been linked to a range of health problems, including hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions and worsening asthma symptoms.

“No, these foods are not safe. While they are very convenient and time-saving, they pose significant health risks. Some of the food colourings and flavourings have been associated with hyperactivity in children. Some have been found to trigger allergies and worsen asthma. Some cause irritation and stomach cramps,” Chikanda said.

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Long-term consequences of eating junk food

Chikanda also highlighted the increased risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and cancer when these flavoured foods are consumed frequently over a prolonged period. These non-communicable diseases are responsible for around 74% of global deaths and disabilities, leading to higher healthcare costs and lower quality of life.

In Zimbabwe, a wide range of artificially flavoured foods and drinks have become staples in many households, including seasoning mixes, instant noodles, flavoured snacks, candies and sugary drinks. These “quick fixes” to hunger and cravings are increasingly replacing more nutritious whole food options. Chikanda offered a simple explanation of how these flavoured snacks can harm children’s health.

“Let me try to simplify as much as possible. Some of these flavors, let me give you an example of corn snacks with beef flavor. As we chew and savor the delicious taste of meat, signals are sent to the stomach that we have consumed meat, causing gastric acids to be secreted to digest the meat. But alas! It is not meat, but a light snack, but acid will be released anyway. What happens now? The acids, which have nothing else to digest, will spend time going to the walls of the stomach – “the collateral damage,” Chikanda said.

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Limited information and statistics

While there is limited data on the exact prevalence of flavoured food consumption in Zimbabwe, the ZimLAC report indicates that most households regularly use flavour enhancers and condiments in their meals. This trend is not a problem exclusive to infants, as older age groups also prefer these foods for their convenience.