ঢাকারবিবার , ৭ জুন ২০২৬
Ultra-processed foods, high in sugar, salt, saturated fat and trans-fat, are increasing the risk of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer and other health problems in Bangladesh. Simple, clear and mandatory warning-based front-of-package labelling (FOPL) is an effective measure to reduce these risks. These facts and recommendations were presented at a webinar titled “Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods and the Way Forward: Bangladesh Perspective”, organized by the research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), marking World Food Safety Day 2026 on 7th June. This year’s theme is “From Burden to Solution: Safe Food Everywhere.”
It was noted at the webinar that, according to the World Health Organization, NCDs are responsible for around 570,263 deaths in Bangladesh every year, accounting for nearly 71 percent of total deaths. Excessive sugar, salt, saturated fat and trans-fat in ultra-processed foods are further increasing the risk of these diseases.
The webinar further noted that the complex nutrition information at the back of ultra-processed food packages is difficult for most consumers to understand. As a result, consumers choose food items without having a clear idea of their actual nutritional value or possible health risks. If mandatory FOPL is introduced, consumers will be able to identify foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat through clear warning messages on the front of the package. This will help them make more informed, healthier and safer food choices. The WHO has recommended FOPL as an effective and best-buy public health intervention.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, Member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, said, “A total of 44 countries around the world have already introduced front-of-package labelling, and these countries have seen 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, said, “If FOPL is implemented in Bangladesh, it will help accelerate progress towards achieving SDG Target 3.4, which focuses on reducing noncommunicable diseases.”
Shamsun Naher Nahid, Chief Nutritionist of the Food and Nutrition Department at BIRDEM General Hospital, said, “FOPL should be introduced to raise public awareness about the levels of harmful ingredients in packaged foods.”
Mustak Hassan Md. Iftekhar, Founding Chairman of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, and Aminul Islam Sujon, Consultant at Vital Strategies, also delivered remarks at the webinar. The webinar was chaired by PROGGA’s Executive Director, ABM Zubair, moderated by Coordinator Mashiat Abedin, and featured the keynote presentation by Program Officer Shabnam Mostofa. Representatives from civil society organizations, NGOs and youth groups, along with journalists and people from different professional backgrounds across the country, participated in the webinar.
