Slow Death by Snack: How Instant Noodles and Flavoured Chips Are Bad For Your Children

How Instant Noodles and Flavoured Chips Are Slowly Killing Zimbabwe’s Children

While flavoured snacks and noodles are convenient and easy to prepare, they are slowly harming Zimbabwean children.

A concerning new study by the Zimbabwe Livelihoods 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, flavoured snack foods and beverages.

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How Instant Noodles and Flavoured Snacks Are Slowly Killing Zimbabwe’s Children

According to the findings, the consumption of flavoured snacks and sugary drinks in Zimbabwe has been associated with nutrient deficiencies and lower length-for-age in one-year-olds. These unhealthy eating habits formed early in life often persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing chronic diseases later on.

Speaking to HealthTimes, Chj Chikanda, a Nutritionist with 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 the 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 of asthma symptoms.

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

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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 long period. These non-communicable diseases are responsible for about 74% of global deaths and disability, leading to higher healthcare costs and reduced quality of life.

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

“Let me try to simplify as much as possible. So some of these flavours, let me give an example of beef meat-flavoured corn snacks. Whilst chewing and savouring the yummy beefy taste, signals are sent to the stomach that one has consumed meat, resulting in gastric acids being secreted to digest the meat. But alas!! It’s not meat but a lightweight snack yet acid will still be released, what happens now? The acids with nothing else to digest will pass away time by going for your stomach linings “the collateral damage,” said Chikanda.

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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 just a problem for infants, as older age groups also prefer these foods for their convenience.

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