The consumption of ultra-processed foods and the associated risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing at an alarming rate in Bangladesh.
Introducing Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL), simple warning labels on the front of food packages, can significantly curb the rise of NCDs by improving consumer awareness and supporting informed dietary choices. Through FOPL, consumers can identify at a glance whether a packaged food contains excessive amounts of salt, sugar, or saturated fat, enabling them to choose healthier options. To protect public health, the draft FOPL regulation should be finalized without delay.
Speakers noted these remarks at a two-day journalists' workshop organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), held on Tuesday-Wednesday at the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Bhaban in the capital.
A total of 25 journalists from print, television, and online media participated in the workshop titled “Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) in Bangladesh: Importance, Progress, and the Way Forward.”
The workshop highlighted that NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, account for approximately 71% of all deaths in Bangladesh, with 19% of these occurring prematurely. The growing consumption of ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat is further driving the country's NCD burden.
Currently, consumers often struggle to understand the complex nutrition information provided on the back of food packages and the associated health risks. However, the introduction of FOPL would enable consumers to identify unhealthy products more easily and make healthier food choices.
Professor Dr Mohammad Shoeb, member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), said: “The draft regulation on mandatory FOPL will be finalized soon, and the necessary steps for its swift implementation will be taken.”
Abu Ahmed Shamim, associate scientist at the BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, said: “The implementation of warning-based FOPL has reduced the consumption of unhealthy foods in many countries around the world. It is imperative to introduce this system in Bangladesh as well.”
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh country lead of GHAI, said: "Clear warning labels displayed on the front of ultra-processed food packages will help consumers make healthier food choices and play an effective role in reducing long-term health risks."
Sajjadur Rahman, deputy editor of The Business Standard, said: “Regular media coverage highlighting the importance of FOPL in preventing NCDs can create positive pressure on policymakers to take timely action.”
Other speakers at the workshop included Mortuza Haider Liton, convener of Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance-ATMA; Nadira Kiron and Mizan Chowdhury, co-conveners, ATMA; and ABM Zubair, executive director, PROGGA. The presentations in the workshop were delivered by PROGGA’s Head of Programs, Md Hasan Shahriar and Program Officer, Shabnam Mostofa.