SHAPE Asia on VOI Talk: Protecting Consumer Rights for
Healthier Food Environments
On the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day 2026, SHAPE Asia contributed to a special
edition of Voice of Indonesia (VOI Talk) themed “Protecting Consumer Rights to Empower the
Golden Generation.” The discussion brought together diverse regional perspectives, featuring
Indrani Thuraisingham from the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA),
Yuni Zahraini from the Ministry of Health Indonesia, and Nadhila Beladina representing SHAPE
Asia. Together, they examined how strengthening consumer protection is increasingly central
to advancing public health and building healthier food environments across Asia.
A key message from the discussion is that consumer protection has evolved beyond traditional
concerns and now plays a foundational role in shaping healthier and more responsible
societies.
“Consumer protection is the very bedrock of a healthy, functioning, and responsible
society.”
This shift is particularly relevant in today’s food environments, where the rapid expansion of
digital commerce and cross-border markets has increased the availability of ultra-processed
foods. As highlighted in the discussion, products may meet basic safety standards yet still pose
long-term health risks, particularly those high in sugar, salt, and fat. These conditions challenge
consumers’ ability to make informed choices and expose gaps in current regulatory and
enforcement systems across the region.
From a public health perspective, the discussion emphasized the importance of recognizing
children as consumers who require specific protection.
“Children are considered a vulnerable consumer group because they are less able to
understand persuasive intent in marketing.”
With increasing exposure to digital advertising, social media, and influencer-driven content,
children’s food preferences and consumption patterns are being shaped in ways that normalize
unhealthy diets. This reinforces the need for stronger regulation of food marketing, clearer
labeling, and healthier food environments that support informed decision-making from an early
age.
The discussion also highlighted the critical link between consumer rights and nutrition policy.
Ensuring access to safe food, accurate information, and clear labeling enables families to make
better dietary choices while protecting public health more broadly.
“Protecting consumer rights ultimately means protecting public health.”

Within this context, SHAPE Asia’s role as a regional platform is essential in advancing evidence-
based advocacy and strengthening collaboration across countries. By connecting stakeholders
and supporting policy dialogue, SHAPE Asia contributes to addressing shared regional
challenges, including weak regulatory environments and the widespread availability of
unhealthy food products.
Looking ahead, the discussion reinforced that empowering the next generation requires more
than access to nutritious food. It also requires building food literacy, strengthening consumer
awareness, and promoting accountability across systems.
“Our goal is not only to feed children today, but to empower a generation to make
smart food choices for life.”
Ultimately, World Consumer Rights Day 2026 highlights that protecting consumers is both a
public health priority and a long-term investment in societal well-being. Strengthening
consumer protection, improving food environments, and fostering regional collaboration
remain critical to building healthier, more informed, and more resilient communities across
Asia.
To explore the full discussion, watch the VOI Talk on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ETOmdiPs57E