Public health experts in Bangladesh have called for the rapid introduction of front-of-package labeling (FOPL) to reduce health risks linked to rising consumption of ultra-processed foods. The call came on July 15 at the closing session of a two-day workshop titled “Front-of-Package Labeling in Bangladesh: Necessity, Progress and Way Forward,” held at the Bangladesh Medical Association building in Dhaka. The event was organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), and attended by 25 journalists from print, television, and online media.

Speakers emphasized that clear health warnings on the front of food packages would help consumers easily identify products high in salt, sugar, or saturated fat, enabling healthier choices and helping prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). They noted that NCDs account for about 71 percent of deaths in Bangladesh, with 19 percent being premature. Officials from the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority said the draft regulation for mandatory FOPL would be finalized soon.

Participants highlighted that effective labeling could raise consumer awareness, encourage policy action, and contribute to long-term reductions in diet-related health risks.