Speakers at Journalists’ workshop urged the introduction of warning messages on the front of food packages, commonly known as Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) as the risk of non-communicable diseases caused by ultra-processed foods is increasing at an alarming rate in Bangladesh.

Speakers said this at a two-day journalists’ workshop titled “Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) in Bangladesh: Importance, Progress and Way Forward,” held on April 15-16 at the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Bhaban in the capital.

Organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the workshop was attended by 29 journalists from print, television, and online media.

They said the system helps consumers easily identify foods excess in salt (sodium), sugar, or saturated fat, allowing them to make healthier and more informed food choices accordingly. The Government of Bangladesh has already undertaken initiatives to introduce mandatory FOPL, and its swift enactment is now a timely demand.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unhealthy diet is one of the leading preventable causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and premature death worldwide.  Each year, unhealthy dietary practices are responsible for the deaths of nearly 11 million people globally. The widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods excess in sugar, salt, saturated fat, and trans-fat is significantly increasing the risk of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases.

In Bangladesh, around 570,000 people die annually from various non-communicable diseases, accounting for approximately 71 percent of total deaths, of which 19 percent are premature. Unhealthy dietary habit is one of the major contributing factors to this high burden of mortality, the workshop presented.

The workshop informed that 97 percent of people in the country consume packaged foods at least once a week and most consumers cannot understand the complex nutritional information provided on the back of packets, resulting in a lack of clear understanding about the nutritional value and health risks of the food. So far, 44 countries around the world have introduced FOPL, of which 10 have made it mandatory.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, Member, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), said, “The government has taken initiatives to introduce the Front-of-Package Labelling system to raise consumer awareness about processed foods. We hope it will be implemented soon.”

Abu Ahmed Shamim, Associate Scientist, BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, said, “It is essential to reduce the dependency on ultra-processed foods to lower the risk of non-communicable diseases. Front-of-Package Labelling system helps consumers choose healthier foods.”

Samina Israt, Programme Officer (Diet-Related Risk Factors), World Health Organization (WHO), said, “The introduction of Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) in Bangladesh complements existing nutrient declarations, supports national nutrition and health policies, and creates an enabling food environment that promotes healthier dietary behaviors across all population groups.”

Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead, GHAI, said, “If Front-of-Package Labelling is implemented in Bangladesh, the burden of non-communicable diseases will decrease as well as both government and individual healthcare costs will be reduced.”

Reaz Ahmad, Editor, Dhaka Tribune, said, “Until Front-of-Package Labelling is implemented, pressure must be kept on policymakers through continuous reporting.”

Mortuza Haider Liton, Convener of Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance-ATMA; Nadira Kiron and Mizan Chowdhury, Co-conveners, ATMA; and ABM Zubair, Executive Director, PROGGA were also present as discussants. PROGGA’s Head of Programs, Md. Hasan Shahriar and Program Officer, Shabnam Mostofa delivered presentations in the workshop.