Strengthening Safety and Transparency in Every Pack

This week, regulators reminded packaged food manufacturers to ensure compliance with labelling rules, including fortification levels, nutrition facts and expiry dates. Inconsistent labels have led to consumer confusion and occasional regulatory penalties, making accurate product information more important than ever.

GS1 standards provide a simple, effective solution. Each product can be assigned a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), which links to a verified product master containing consistent information about ingredients, fortification and shelf life. The manufacturer’s Global Location Number (GLN) ties the product to the production site, ensuring accountability.

   

With GS1-compliant 2D barcodes, retailers, regulators and even consumers can quickly scan a product to verify that what is on the label matches official records. This not only improves compliance and reduces errors but also boosts consumer trust. For manufacturers, adopting GS1 identifiers streamlines reporting to authorities, reduces the risk of fines and strengthens brand credibility in an increasingly quality-conscious market.

By embedding traceability into labelling, Kenya’s packaged food sector is turning regulatory requirements into opportunities for efficiency and consumer confidence, proving that good data and clear identifiers are as essential as the product itself.