Experts call for urgent rollout of front-of-pack labelling to curb rising non-communicable diseases

Health experts and policymakers have called for the urgent introduction of front-of-package labelling (FOPL) on ultra-processed foods in Bangladesh to combat the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The call came at a two-day workshop titled "Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) in Bangladesh: Importance, Progress and Way Forward," held on 15–16 April at the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Bhaban in the capital. The event was organised by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

Speakers at the workshop said the risk of NCDs linked to ultra-processed foods is increasing at an alarming rate, and introducing clear warning labels on the front of food packages can help consumers make healthier choices.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unhealthy diets are among the leading preventable causes of non-communicable diseases and premature deaths globally, accounting for nearly 11 million deaths each year. Excessive consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, saturated fat and trans fat significantly raises the risk of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

In Bangladesh, around 570,000 people die annually from NCDs, accounting for about 71% of total deaths, of which 19% are premature. Experts identified unhealthy dietary habits as a major contributing factor.

It was also noted that 97% of people in Bangladesh consume packaged foods at least once a week, but most struggle to understand complex nutritional information on the back of packaging. Introducing FOPL would enable consumers to quickly identify products high in unhealthy ingredients and make informed decisions.

Globally, 44 countries have introduced front-of-package labelling systems, with 10 making them mandatory. Evidence from these countries shows increased consumer awareness and reduced consumption of unhealthy foods.

Professor Dr Mohammad Shoeb, a member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, said the government has already taken steps to introduce FOPL and expressed hope that it will be implemented soon.

Abu Ahmed Shamim, associate scientist at BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, said reducing dependence on ultra-processed foods is essential to lowering NCD risks, adding that FOPL can play a key role in guiding healthier food choices.

Samina Israt, programme officer (diet-related risk factors) at WHO, said FOPL would complement existing nutrition policies and help create a healthier food environment across all population groups.

Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh country lead for GHAI, said implementing FOPL could reduce both the burden of non-communicable diseases and healthcare costs for individuals and the government.

Reaz Ahmad, editor of Dhaka Tribune, stressed the need for continued media engagement, saying sustained reporting is necessary to keep pressure on policymakers until the system is implemented.

Other discussants included Mortuza Haider Liton, convener of the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA), co-conveners Nadira Kiron and Mizan Chowdhury, and ABM Zubair, executive director of PROGGA. PROGGA's Head of Programmes Md Hasan Shahriar, and Programme Officer, Shabnam Mostofa, also presented at the workshop.