Unseen dangers of processed food ingredients

Shahnewaj Patwari :

In recent years, Bangladeshis’ dietary habits have changed significantly due to rapid urbanisation and lifestyle shifts. The growing preference for processed foods, often high in salt, sugar, artificial ingredients, and trans fats, poses serious public health concerns. This trend has contributed to an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues in the country.

In 2019, NCDs accounted for an estimated 70% of total deaths in Bangladesh , with 1 in 5 adults suffering from hypertension . By 2021, the country recorded approximately 13.14 million cases of diabetes , resulting in an estimated 75,617 deaths attributed to the disease that year.

Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with consuming processed foods. Poor diets can jeopardize children’s brain development, hinder their learning, weaken their immune systems, increase susceptibility to infections, and even lead to death.

A study found that straightforward messages promoting a balanced diet and family meals effectively reduced the consumption of commercially produced snack foods among young children in low-income rural communities in Bangladesh.

While salt is essential for health, excessive consumption poses serious risks, as a 2016 study showed average intakes of 17.2 grams per day in rural Bangladesh and 16.8 grams in urban areas -both far exceeding the WHO’s recommended limit of 5 grams.

Processed foods like snacks, instant noodles, and canned goods are high in sodium, and their excessive consumption can lead to hypertension-an overlooked risk factor for heart disease and stroke among Bangladeshi consumers, many of whom are unaware of the sodium content in these products. As more children and adolescents face weight issues due to the shift from traditional whole foods to sugary snacks and beverages, their long-term health is at serious risk.

Artificial ingredients such as preservatives, colorants, and flavor enhancers are commonly found in processed foods, raising concerns about their long-term health effects despite their ability to improve taste and shelf life. Trans fats, commonly found in partially hydrogenated oils used in fried and baked goods, are among the most harmful fats in processed foods, raising bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while lowering good cholesterol (HDL), which increases the risk of heart disease.

To mitigate health risks associated with processed foods, Bangladesh needs to take a comprehensive approach that includes rigorous regulations on food labeling and advertising, ensuring clear disclosures of harmful ingredients. Setting limits on unhealthy components, implementing a high tax on processed foods similar to tobacco control, and launching public health campaigns can discourage consumption and encourage healthier dietary choices, ultimately reducing the burden of NCDs.

(The author is an Advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh)