Ethiopia’s draft law to regulate industrially processed foods remains stalled, even as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) continue to claim tens of thousands of lives annually, according to Addis Fortune. First tabled in October 2025, the legislation sets limits on trans fats, added sugars, salt, and saturated fats in packaged foods and requires clear front-of-pack warnings such as “High in Sugar” or “High in Salt.”

In 2019, diet-related factors caused roughly 560,000 deaths and 35 percent of heart disease fatalities. Unhealthy food consumption has risen nearly 18 percent since 2009, costing 31.3 billion birr (1.8 percent of GDP) and generating 26.9 billion birr in lost productivity. Excess sodium intake affects 96 percent of the population, contributing to hypertension and heart disease. Cutting salt could save 21 billion birr in productivity and prevent a million deaths over 15 years.

Children are particularly at risk. Nearly seven in ten aged six to 23 months in Addis Ababa consume sweetened drinks, and popular snacks contain excessive sugar. “High intake of sugar, salt, and trans fats opens the door to type 2 diabetes,” said Frehiwot Kebede, general manager of the Ethiopian Diabetes Association. Overweight and obesity affect 12.1 percent of urban girls under five and 6.2 percent in rural areas.

The draft law seeks to curb advertising, ban sales near schools and clinics, and restrict public procurement and humanitarian aid except in emergencies. Violators could face fines, license suspensions, or criminal penalties, with corporate offenders liable for up to 10 percent of annual net profit.

Authorities have taken steps to reduce harmful consumption, including registering food additives, expanding excise taxes on high-fat oils and sugar, and promoting dietary guidelines. NCD care has been decentralised through “NCD corners” in primary healthcare units offering screening, counselling, and follow-up for hypertension and diabetes.

Treatment remains costly. Dialysis and transplant care range from 17,000 to 20,000 US dollars, while cancer subsidies cover up to 63 percent of chemotherapy expenses. Experts say enforceable laws, public awareness, and improved access to services are critical to controlling the NCD burden.

Industrially produced trans fats accounted for 32,379 disability-adjusted life years and 1,136 deaths in 2019, while urban diets now include 15 to 20 grams of edible oil daily, contributing to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.