The Government of Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward improving public health by initiating discussions on the introduction of warning labels on foods and beverages high in sugar and salt. A high-level meeting was held on February 9, 2025, at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka, organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The meeting brought together around 50 participants, including representatives from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Control Programme, public health experts, and civil society organizations, including the Consumers Legal Protection Association (CLPA).
The discussion focused on addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh, which are significantly driven by unhealthy dietary habits—particularly excessive consumption of sugar and salt. Participants highlighted existing gaps in current food labeling regulations and reviewed international best practices on Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) systems.
Key recommendations from the meeting included the introduction of mandatory warning labels on unhealthy food products, stronger stakeholder engagement involving government and the food industry, and increased public awareness through nationwide educational campaigns. The importance of continuous research, monitoring, and learning from successful global models was also emphasized.
The meeting concluded with a strong consensus on the urgent need for regulatory action to promote healthier food environments. A follow-up session was proposed to develop concrete policy recommendations and an actionable implementation plan.
Mr. Syed Mahbubul Alam, Secretary of CLPA, attended the meeting as an expert, contributing insights on consumer rights and public health protection.
