Experts have emphasised that achieving the desired progress in ensuring food safety and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is impossible without the media's active participation.
They made the remarks during a workshop titled "Media Campaign on Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) for Packaged Foods in Bangladesh," organised by the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in the capital on Tuesday.
Experts identified the uncontrolled presence of excessive sugar, salt, and harmful trans fats in processed foods as a primary driver of the rise in NCDs.
Under the current system, nutrition information is printed in fine, complex text on the back of packages, making it nearly impossible for the general public to decipher.
To help consumers easily choose healthier food options, implementing a clear and mandatory Front-of-Pack Labeling system on the front of food packaging has become an urgent priority.
Director of the Health Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission Iqbal Masud said excessive salt, sugar, and fat in food are silently pushing all towards mortality.
To protect children and youth from the harmful effects of processed foods, there is no alternative to an FOPL policy, he added.
Participating journalists pledged to publish news and awareness reports to expedite the implementation of an international-standard, mandatory Front-of-Pack Labeling policy in Bangladesh, safeguarding future generations from the severe risks of non-communicable diseases.