Dhaka: Speakers at a webinar today highlighted the significant role that simple, clear, and mandatory warning-based front-of-package labelling (FOPL) can play in reducing health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and aiding consumers in making safer and healthier food choices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussion took place during a webinar titled “Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods and the Way Forward: Bangladesh Perspective.” The event was organized by the research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), in observance of World Food Safety Day 2026. The theme for this year is “From Burden to Solution: Safe Food Everywhere.”
The webinar emphasized that ultra-processed foods, often high in sugar, salt, saturated fat, and trans-fat, are increasingly contributing to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancer in Bangladesh. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that NCDs account for approximately 570,263 deaths annually in Bangladesh, making up nearly 71 percent of total deaths.
The speakers noted that the complex nutrition information usually found on the back of ultra-processed food packages is often challenging for consumers to comprehend. Consequently, many individuals purchase these food products without a clear understanding of their nutritional value or associated health risks.
The panel advocated for mandatory FOPL, which would allow consumers to easily identify foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat through clear warning messages on the front of packages. This type of labelling would empower consumers to make more informed decisions, fostering healthier and safer food choices. The WHO has endorsed FOPL as an effective public health intervention.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, a Member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, remarked, “A total of 44 countries worldwide have already introduced FOPL, witnessing positive changes in consumers’ food choices. Bangladesh is also working on this issue, and we hope to introduce it soon.”
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, stated, “If FOPL is implemented in Bangladesh, it will help accelerate progress towards achieving SDG Target 3.4, which focuses on reducing non-communicable diseases.”
Additionally, Shamsun Naher Nahid, Chief Nutritionist of the Food and Nutrition Department at BIRDEM General Hospital, emphasized the need for FOPL to raise public awareness about the harmful ingredients in packaged foods.
The webinar also featured contributions from Mustak Hassan Md. Iftekhar, Founding Chairman of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, and Aminul Islam Sujon, Consultant at Vital Strategies. PROGGA’s Executive Director, ABM Zubair, chaired the session, which was moderated by Coordinator Mashiat Abedin and included a keynote presentation by Program Officer Shabnam Mostofa. Participants included representatives from civil society organizations, NGOs, youth groups, journalists, and professionals from various backgrounds across Bangladesh.