Protect Consumers from Unhealthy Packaged Foods

The other day, at a grocery store, I met a mother who was buying a packet of ice cream to fulfil her child’s demand. I asked whether she knew about its ingredients, nutritional value or expiration date. Smiling, she replied, “Brother, I am not educated. How am I supposed to understand all this?” Her response stayed with me. How many parents are unknowingly handing unhealthy foods to their children? And how many consumers actually understand what they are putting on their plates?

The reality is alarming. Many educated people also remain unaware of the contents of packaged foods and their potential health impacts. When we put a packet of chips or juice into our child’s school tiffin box, do we stop to consider what we are giving them? When we open a packet of chanachur or biscuits during an evening chat, do we think about its possible links to heart disease or diabetes? Bangladesh is now facing an epidemic of “wrong nutrition” that can be as dangerous as malnutrition. Traditional fresh foods are increasingly giving way to ultra-processed products wrapped in attractive packaging. A recent survey found that nearly 97 per cent of people in the country consume packaged food at least once a week. We are paying a growing price for these habits.

According to 2020 estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 572,000 people die each year in Bangladesh from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 71 per cent of total deaths. Heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes are no longer diseases of the rich or elderly. Bangladesh now has 13.1 million people living with diabetes, while one in five adults suffers from high blood pressure. Meanwhile, urban childhood obesity is reportedly rising by 10 per cent annually, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease at an early age. The economic cost is also heavy. Citizens pay around 70 per cent of treatment costs out of pocket, meaning a serious illness can push a middle- or lower-middle-income family into financial hardship.

How can consumers make informed choices? Most packaged foods list calories, sodium and saturated fats on the back in small print and technical language. Even educated consumers may struggle to understand this information while making a quick purchase. Moreover, shoppers spend only three to five seconds evaluating a product.

Bangladesh is now facing an epidemic of “wrong nutrition” that can be as dangerous as malnutrition. Traditional fresh foods are increasingly giving way to ultra-processed products wrapped in attractive packaging. A recent survey found that nearly 97 per cent of people in the country consume packaged food at least once a week.

This is where Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) can make a real difference. Public health experts have advocated Bangladesh following Chile’s example by introducing clear, black octagonal warning labels. A simple message such as “High in Sugar,” “High in Sodium” or “High in Saturated Fat” can immediately alert consumers to potential health risks. Such labels do not ban any food or restrict consumer choice. Rather, they give people the information they need to make informed decisions. Therefore, FOPL should be seen not as a burden on consumers or businesses, but as an essential public-health measure and a basic consumer right.

Introducing these warning labels in Bangladesh is not an extraordinary demand; it is a legal right. Both the ‘Safe Food Act, 2013’ and the ‘Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009’ mandate that consumers must be clearly informed about a product’s ingredients and its potential harmful effects. Hiding information and selling harmful food through misleading advertisements is a violation of citizens’ rights. The Bangladesh Safe Food Authority has already drafted a regulation titled the 'Packaged Food Labelling Regulations, 2026.’ The encouraging part is that its implementation requires only a final policy decision and political willingness from the government. WHO recognises FOPL as one of the best and most cost-effective interventions, and it is currently active in 44 countries worldwide. Following the implementation of these labels in Chile, sugar consumption fell by 24 per cent and sodium consumption dropped by 37 per cent.

Major food manufacturers and business associations oppose the regulations, citing possible business losses. However, public-interest regulations can encourage industries to adapt and improve. Mandatory FOPL could push manufacturers to reduce sugar, salt and saturated fats, producing healthier foods and potentially strengthening their competitiveness in export markets. The health of millions must outweigh commercial concerns. Therefore, the government should resist undue industry pressure and finalise the Front-of-Pack Labelling Regulations without further delay. This is not merely a sticker; it is an important safeguard for future generations.

The physical health of a nation dictates its future. Youth play a multifaceted role in building a healthy workforce and safeguarding the upcoming generation. Beyond protecting their own health, young people can drive positive social change. However, due to modern lifestyles, youth today face severe health risks. Uncontrolled consumption of processed foods, excessive fast food intake, and physical inactivity have led to an alarming rise in obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease among young people. Fast-tracking FOPL implementation is the most effective tool to combat this silent epidemic. According to WHO, mandating this policy in Chile, Mexico, and Argentina significantly reduced the consumption of unhealthy food. Youth can act as the primary drivers of change by choosing conscious diets, adopting healthy lifestyles, raising awareness among family and peers, driving digital campaigns, and advocating for policy formulation.

The media has an important role in shaping dietary habits and protecting public health. By reporting on the risks of excessive sugar, salt and harmful fats, it can counter misleading advertisements and help consumers understand FOPL warning labels. Moreover, responsible reporting can encourage policymakers to enforce stronger food regulations and promote healthier lifestyles. Therefore, protecting the next generation requires collective action from the government, industry, media and citizens. The time to act is now. Ensuring healthier diets today can protect families from avoidable health and financial burdens and help build a healthier, more productive nation.