Call for warning labels on food packages to prevent diabetes
World Diabetes Day 2026 has observed on Saturday (November 14) across the country as well the globe.
Experts said the increasing consumption of ultra-processed food products high in sugar, salt and saturated fat is heightening the risk of diabetes as well the other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh.
Introducing mandatory warning-based Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) on food packages would enable consumers to identify products containing excessive levels of these nutrients and make informed food decisions, thereby helping prevent diet-related diabetes. This year, the day is being observed under the theme “Early Action on Diabetes”.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 13.9 million people aged 20–79 was living with diabetes in Bangladesh in 2024, of whom 39.1% were unaware of their condition. The country also incurred an estimated Tk 12,000 crore in diabetes-related healthcare expenditure during the year. Experts warn that growing consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages is further increasing the risks of diabetes. In this context, clear warning labels on the front of food packages would help buyers readily distinguish products with excessive amounts of nutrients of concern and make informed dietary choices. Research in Bangladesh has demonstrated that warning-based FOPL is the most effective approach for helping consumers identify ultra-processed products high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. Against this backdrop, finalizing the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority's draft “Safe Food (Packaged Food Labelling) Regulations, 2026,” without any dilution, exemptions or delay, is imperative to strengthen diabetes prevention and protect public health.
Research indicates that approximately 97% of people in Bangladesh consume packaged food at least once a week, while levels of salt, sugar and fat in many processed foods exceed the WHO’s recommended daily limits.
In a statement released on the occasion of World Diabetes Day 2026, ABM Zubair, Executive Director of the research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), stated, “As part of early action to prevent diabetes, consumers have the right to know whether food products contain excessive amounts of sugar and other ingredients that pose risks to their health. The draft regulations must be finalized promptly and without any form of interference to protect public health, paving the way for the introduction of mandatory warning labels on the front of food packages.”