Assessment of the Food Retail Environment in the Tamale Metropolis

Abstract

Background: The link between food retail environment and health disparities continue to grow. Assessment of the food environment is one key strategy in undertaking healthy food retail initiatives. However, little is known about the retail food environment in developing countries like Ghana. This study therefore, aimed to examine the food retail environment in the Tamale Metropolis. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study and employed simple random sampling technique to recruit the study participants. Questionnaires and protocols were adapted from the validated Nutrition Environment Measurement Surveys (NEMS) for both stores and corner stores and refined for use. Structured questionnaires were administered to collect primary data from August, 2018 to September, 2018. Factors including demographic characteristics, traditional market attributes, types of food advertised in front of retailers’ shops or market exits, sale of at least two fresh produce, the existence of food retail assistance programs and policies (FRAPP) and retailers’ awareness of FRAPP were assessed. Results: About 45% retailers sold fresh fruits and vegetables, 44% sold whole grains, 29% sold snack foods and 19% sold dairy foods. An extremely small number (0.2%) of packaged snack foods had nutrition information. About 59% of the retailers advertised various food items; almost 51% was on fresh fruits and vegetables, 46% was on snack foods, 20% was on whole grain and 15% was on low or no fat dairy. Thirty six percent of retailers sold at least two fresh produce. A direct communication between the principal investigator and the Metropolitan coordinating director of Tamale revealed that food retail assistance programs and policies that support or incentivize healthier retail did not exist in Tamale markets. About 5% of the retailers reported that they were aware of food retail assistance programs and policies. Conclusions: This survey finding highlights an important opportunity for intervention to improve the micro level food retail environment and dietary choices of urban populations. Availability, promotion and nutrition information of certain healthier foods could be improved. Recommendations: Given that there is limited availability (<50%) of healthy foods(fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain, dairy foods) and the lack of nutrition information on packaged snack foods , there should be more campaign on the availability, quality and promotion of healthy foods by the Tamale Metropolitan assembly and other stakeholders. Policies that would compel manufacturers of packaged food items to provide nutrition information should be enforced.