Push for front-of-package labels to curb NCDs
Health experts and media professionals have called for the urgent introduction of Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) on ultra-processed foods to help combat the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh.
The call came at a two-day journalists’ workshop titled “Front-of-Package Labelling in Bangladesh: Importance, Progress and Way Forward,” held in the capital on April 15–16. The event was organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), bringing together 29 journalists from print, television, and online media.
Speakers at the workshop emphasised that unhealthy dietary habits, particularly the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar, saturated fat, and trans fat, are significantly increasing the risk of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Citing global data, they noted that unhealthy diets contribute to nearly 11 million deaths annually worldwide. In Bangladesh, around 570,000 people die each year from non-communicable diseases, accounting for about 71 percent of all deaths, with 19 percent classified as premature.
Experts highlighted that 97 percent of people in the country consume packaged foods at least once a week. However, most consumers struggle to understand complex nutritional information on the back of packaging, limiting their ability to make informed food choices.
They argued that introducing clear warning labels on the front of food packages would enable consumers to quickly identify products high in harmful ingredients and choose healthier alternatives. So far, 44 countries have implemented FOPL systems, including 10 where such labeling is mandatory, resulting in improved consumer awareness and reduced consumption of unhealthy foods.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority said the government has already taken steps to introduce FOPL and expressed hope for its swift implementation.
Abu Ahmed Shamim of the BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health stressed the need to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods, noting that FOPL can play a crucial role in guiding healthier consumer behavior.
Samina Israt of the World Health Organization said the initiative aligns with national nutrition and health policies and would help create a supportive food environment for healthier dietary practices.
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead for GHAI, said effective implementation of FOPL could significantly reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases and lower healthcare costs for both individuals and the government.
Reaz Ahmad, Editor of Dhaka Tribune, underscored the role of the media in maintaining pressure on policymakers through consistent reporting until the policy is fully implemented.
Other discussants at the workshop included representatives from the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance and PROGGA, who also stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to address the public health challenge posed by ultra-processed foods.
