Syed Mahbubul Alam, Secretary of the Centre for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA) and a public health law expert, recently spoke to PublicHealth24.com about a critical public health issue — the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh and the role of food labeling in combating it.
In the interview, Mr. Alam stressed that unhealthy diets, especially the increasing consumption of processed and packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, are major drivers behind the surge in NCDs like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension across the country.
He explained the concept of Front-of-Package Labeling (FOPL) — a straightforward, consumer-friendly system that displays key nutritional warnings (e.g., high sugar, salt, or fat) on the front of food products — as an effective policy tool to help consumers make healthier food choices.
Mr. Alam pointed to global evidence showing that countries implementing compulsory FOPL have seen improved public awareness, reduced purchases of unhealthy foods, and positive reformulation by manufacturers.
He also shared insights from CLPA’s research, which found significant labeling gaps in products sold in Bangladesh — many lack essential nutritional information and clear warning signs.
Mr. Alam urged the government to formalize mandatory front-of-package labeling regulations, strengthen enforcement, and run public awareness campaigns to protect consumers and improve public health outcomes.
🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.publichealth24.com/front-of-package-labeling-can-be-a-game-changer-for-public-health-in-bangladesh/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRBzZlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEemxytBU59IXUUdh1LVaEmLXgWWirl1lY_PxO8WX98Iz9sg-_hOz8uN53QFBk_aem_gieuGjeiSgnrC0fid8TBDQ