FOPL on ultra-processed packaged food urgent to protect public health

The surge in the consumption of ultra-processed packaged foods in Bangladesh corresponds with an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Consuming ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and fat substantially increases the risk of NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Currently, approximately 13.9 million people in Bangladesh live with diabetes, while one in four adults suffers from hypertension.

Furthermore, cardiovascular diseases claim nearly 283,000 lives in the country every year.

Research indicates that 97 percent of the population consumes ultra-processed packaged food at least once a week, with 63 percent of these products containing high levels of salt or sodium.

Another study revealed that most ultra-processed packaged foods exceed the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limits for sugar, salt, and fat. However, nutritional information on these packages remains either incomplete or entirely absent.

In light of this situation, experts emphasize that mandating warning-based labels Front-of-Package Labeling (FOPL) on the front of ultra-processed packaged food and beverage is an effective, evidence-based, and internationally recognized public health intervention.

Under this system, clear warning labels are prominently displayed on the front of packages containing excessive sugar, salt, or harmful fats, enabling consumers to quickly assess potential health risks.

This mechanism is currently operational in 44 countries worldwide including Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay, with 10 of these nations enforcing mandatory warning-based FOPL. Experts note that in these countries, FOPL raised consumer awareness and prompted manufacturers to reformulate their products, playing a vital role in curbing NCD.

Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) has already drafted the "Safe Food (Packaged Food Labeling) Regulations, 2026," which proposes mandatory black octagonal warning labels on ultra-processed products high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat.

Following public consultations, reviews, and necessary verification, the draft was submitted to the Ministry of Food on June 30 this year for finalization. However, despite more than two months having elapsed, there has been no visible progress in finalizing these critically important public health regulations.

Regarding the progress of the draft regulations, Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, Member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, stated, "“The draft regulation is currently with the Ministry of Food. We are hopeful that it will be finalized soon upon completion of the necessary procedures.”

ABM Zubair, Executive Director, PROGGA stated, “Swift finalization of the FOPL regulation is a pressing public health priority. The government must ensure strong, mandatory warning labels to protect consumers’ right to know and make informed food choices.”