By Taskina Yeasmin (Dhaka Bureau)
Public health experts, legal professionals, and media advocates have called for the swift formulation and implementation of Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) on packaged foods in Bangladesh. The measure aims to protect public health, secure consumers’ right to information, prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and make healthy food choices easier.
The call was made during a media advocacy workshop titled ‘Media Campaign on Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) of Packaged Food in Bangladesh,’ organized by the Dhaka Ahsania Mission at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in the capital.
The Hidden Danger of Unhealthy Foods and Consumer Rights
Currently, nutritional information on packaged foods is presented in complex formats that are difficult for average consumers to comprehend. As a result, people unknowingly consume foods containing excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy trans fats, which significantly escalates the risk of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
Welcoming the participants, Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health and Nutrition Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission, said, ‘The nutritional information on current food products is incomprehensible to average consumers. Clear and simple warning labels on the front of packages will empower consumers to make informed, healthy choices, contributing significantly to public health in the long run.’
Highlighting the global progress, Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, stated that FOPL has been successfully implemented in various countries. He emphasized that it is high time for Bangladesh to adopt this policy for the sake of public health.
Legal and Scientific Perspectives on FOPL
Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Barrister Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Milon, remarked that knowing correct and easily understandable food ingredients is a fundamental right of consumers. Implementing an effective FOPL system would strengthen this right and complement the existing Consumer Rights Protection Act to build a safer food system.
Presenting scientific insights, Dr. Ahmad Khairul Abrar, Assistant Scientist at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, noted that international research proves FOPL encourages healthier dietary choices. Additionally, it incentivizes food manufacturers to reformulate their products to be healthier, thereby reducing the long-term risk of NCDs.
Media’s Role and Current Policy Progress
Abu Rushd Md. Ruhul Amin, Senior News Editor of Banglavision, highlighted the media’s crucial role in this transition. He stated that the media’s responsibility extends beyond just disseminating news; investigative journalism, talk shows, and consistent campaigns can simplify FOPL for the masses and foster an accountable and positive environment for policy adoption.
Sharing an update on the policy’s progress, Mahbuba Rahman, Project Coordinator at Dhaka Ahsania Mission, revealed that the draft of the proposed Front-of-Pack Labelling regulations is currently under review by the Ministry of Food. She emphasized that evidence-based media campaigns and coordinated advocacy among all stakeholders are vital at this stage to build positive public opinion and accelerate policy adoption.
The workshop concluded with a joint commitment from journalists representing print, electronic, and online media, alongside public health experts, youth leaders, and civil society representatives, to work collaboratively toward the swift and effective implementation of FOPL in Bangladesh.
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The Writer:
Taskina Yeasmin: Senior Reporter and Contributor, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
