Stakeholders Urge NAFDAC to Reinstate Heart Mark Logo Amid Rising CVD Cases
Mirian Gom 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Health stakeholders have called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to lift the suspension of the Nigerian Heart Foundation’s Heart Mark logo, describing it as a critical tool for promoting healthier diets and reducing cardiovascular disease.
The appeal followed the launch of the first-ever Heart Mark Logo Month by the Nigerian Heart Foundation, ahead of its national summit in Lagos on Tuesday.
Executive Director, Dr Kingsley Akinroye, said the front-of-pack labelling system helps consumers make informed dietary choices.
“This is not just a logo; it is a public health intervention designed to save lives,” he said.
The Heart Mark programme, introduced in 2003 in collaboration with NAFDAC, certifies products based on strict nutritional criteria, including levels of cholesterol, sodium, sugar and fats.
Stakeholders warned that suspending the logo risks undermining efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, particularly as Nigeria’s average daily salt intake—about 10 grams—remains double the recommended level.
However, NAFDAC defended the suspension, stating that stricter oversight is required to ensure that health claims are scientifically valid.
“A product carrying a heart-friendly logo gives consumers strong confidence. We must ensure such claims are fully backed by evidence,” a representative said.
The awareness campaign, running from April 14 to May 15, includes advocacy visits, stakeholder engagements and public sensitisation across Lagos and Abuja.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Otamere Gladness