Mandatory food warning labels urged
Health experts and media professionals have urged the government to introduce mandatory warning-based Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) on packaged foods, warning that hidden levels of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats are fuelling Bangladesh’s growing non-communicable disease (NCD) crisis.
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 (Knowledge for Progress) with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) at the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Bhaban in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The workshop, attended by 27 journalists from print, television and online media, highlighted that ultra-processed foods are now a major driver of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, obesity and cancer.
Experts cited alarming health data showing that NCDs account for around 71% of all deaths in Bangladesh, with nearly one-fifth occurring prematurely. They warned that unhealthy diets remain one of the most preventable risk factors behind this burden.
Research presented at the workshop showed widespread consumption of packaged foods, with nearly 97% of surveyed individuals consuming them at least weekly. Another study found that a large share of tested products contained excessive salt, while many labels failed to provide complete nutritional information.
Speakers said such gaps in labelling mislead consumers, as packaged foods are often perceived as safe or healthy despite exceeding recommended limits of sugar, salt and fats.
Front-of-Package Labelling, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a cost-effective “best-buy” intervention, has already been adopted in 44 countries, including 10 with mandatory warning systems. Evidence from these countries shows improved consumer awareness and product reformulation by manufacturers.
Officials and experts stressed that introducing clear warning labels in Bangladesh would empower consumers to make healthier choices and push the food industry toward safer product standards.
