Warning labels on packaged foods could help cut country’s NCD burden
Public health experts, researchers and journalists have called for the introduction of mandatory warning-based Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL), saying the measure could play a crucial role in reducing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to unhealthy packaged foods.
The call came during a two-day journalists’ workshop titled “Front-of-Package Labelling in Bangladesh: Importance, Progress and the Way Forward”, organised by PROGGA with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator at the Bangladesh Medical Association Bhaban in the capital on May 18-19.
A total of 27 journalists from print, television and online media took part in the workshop, where speakers warned that ultra-processed packaged foods high in sugar, salt and trans-fat are fuelling a rise in hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and cancer across the country.
According to figures presented at the event, nearly 570,000 people die from NCDs annually in Bangladesh, accounting for around 71 per cent of all deaths. About 19 per cent of these deaths occur prematurely. Speakers cited the World Health Organization as identifying unhealthy diets as one of the leading preventable causes behind the growing mortality rate.
Participants at the workshop said consumers are often misled into believing packaged foods are safe or healthy despite many containing excessive amounts of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.
A nationwide survey conducted in 2025 among 974 adults, adolescents and children found that around 97 per cent of respondents consumed packaged foods at least once a week. The study reviewed 105 processed and ultra-processed food products across 14 categories defined by the WHO and found that 63 per cent contained high levels of salt.
Another study conducted in 2023 on packaged foods from 24 brands found that most products exceeded the WHO’s recommended daily limits for sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. Researchers also found that information relating to saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and salt was often unclear or absent from labels.
Speakers said Front-of-Package Labelling would allow consumers to quickly identify products containing excessive levels of harmful ingredients through simple warning labels placed on the front of packaging.
Professor Dr Mohammad Shoeb, member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, said work was already underway to introduce Front-of-Pack Labelling in Bangladesh to raise public awareness regarding ultra-processed foods.
“Once implemented, it will reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases in the country,” he said.
Abu Ahmed Shamim, Associate Scientist at the Centre for Non-Communicable Disease and Nutrition of the BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, said FOPL would help consumers make healthier food choices by clearly identifying excessive salt, sugar and harmful fats in processed foods.
Samina Israt, Programme Officer for Diet-Related Risk Factors at the World Health Organization, described FOPL as a cost-effective public health intervention recommended by WHO to tackle diet-related NCDs and promote healthier eating habits across all population groups.
Globally, 44 countries have introduced some form of Front-of-Package Labelling, while 10 countries have already made warning-based FOPL mandatory. Evidence from those countries suggests the system has improved consumer awareness and encouraged food manufacturers to reformulate products with healthier ingredients.
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of Global Health Advocacy Incubator, said introducing FOPL in Bangladesh could significantly reduce the country’s growing NCD burden.
Other discussants included Mortuza Haider Liton, Convener of the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance; Nadira Kiron, Co-convener of ATMA; and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA. PROGGA Programme Officer Shabnam Mostofa presented key findings and policy recommendations during the workshop.
