Health experts and policymakers have called for the urgent introduction of mandatory warning-based Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) in Bangladesh, warning that packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and trans-fat are accelerating the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The demand came at a two-day journalists’ workshop titled “Front-of-Package Labelling in Bangladesh: Importance, Progress and the Way Forward,” organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) at the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Bhaban in Dhaka on May 18-19. 

A total of 27 journalists from print, television, and online media attended the event.

Speakers at the workshop said ultra-processed packaged foods and beverages are major contributors to hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and cancer. 

According to estimates shared at the event, nearly 570,000 people die from NCDs in Bangladesh every year, accounting for around 71 percent of all deaths, with 19 percent occurring prematurely.

Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), speakers noted that unhealthy diets remain one of the leading preventable causes of NCD-related deaths worldwide.

Data presented at the workshop showed the alarming rise in packaged food consumption across Bangladesh. A nationwide survey conducted in 2025 among 974 adults, adolescents, and children found that almost 97 percent of respondents consumed packaged foods at least once a week.

The survey also examined 105 processed and ultra-processed food products across 14 WHO-defined categories and found that 63 percent contained excessive levels of salt. 

Another study conducted in 2023 on packaged foods from 24 brands revealed that most products exceeded WHO-recommended limits for sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Researchers also found that information regarding saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt was often incomplete or unclear on product labels.

Experts said simple and mandatory warning labels on the front of food packages could help consumers make informed choices and encourage manufacturers to reformulate unhealthy products.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, Member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), said work is underway to introduce Front-of-Pack Labelling in the country to increase public awareness regarding ultra-processed foods.

Abu Ahmed Shamim, Associate Scientist at BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, said FOPL would help consumers quickly identify excessive salt, sugar, and harmful fats in packaged foods.

WHO Programme Officer Samina Israt described FOPL as a cost-effective and evidence-based intervention to combat diet-related NCDs and promote healthier eating habits.

GHAI Bangladesh Country Lead Muhammad Ruhul Quddus said implementation of FOPL could significantly reduce the country’s growing NCD burden.

Mortuza Haider Liton, Nadira Kiron, ABM Zubair, and Shabnam Mostofa also spoke at the workshop.

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