June 7, 2026 (V7N)– Experts warned at a webinar today that ultra-processed foods rich in sugar, salt, saturated fats, and trans-fats are increasing the risk of various non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancer in Bangladesh. The webinar, titled "Health risks of ultra-processed foods and the way forward: Bangladesh perspective," was organized by PROGGA with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) to mark World Food Safety Day 2026.
According to the World Health Organization, NCDs are responsible for approximately 570,263 deaths in Bangladesh every year, accounting for nearly 71 percent of total deaths. The webinar noted that excessive sugar, salt, saturated fat, and trans-fat in ultra-processed foods are further increasing the risk of these diseases.
The complex nutrition information on the back of ultra-processed food packages is difficult for most consumers to understand, leading them to choose food items without clear knowledge of their nutritional value or health risks. Experts said that mandatory warning-based front-of-package labeling (FOPL) is an effective measure to reduce these risks, helping consumers identify foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat through clear warning messages.
Member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority Professor Dr Mohammad Shoeb said that 44 countries around the world have already introduced FOPL and have seen positive changes in consumers' food choices. "Bangladesh is also working on this issue, and we hope to introduce it soon," he said. The WHO has recommended FOPL as an effective and best-buy public health intervention.
Bangladesh Country Lead of GHAI Muhammad Ruhul Quddus said FOPL implementation would help accelerate progress toward achieving SDG Target 3.4, which focuses on reducing NCDs. Chief Nutritionist at BIRDEM General Hospital Shamsun Naher Nahid called for FOPL to raise public awareness, while PROGGA's Executive Director ABM Zubair chaired the webinar.
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