Call for warning labels on food packages to help prevent diabetes

Ahead of World Diabetes Day 2026, health advocates in Bangladesh have called for mandatory warning labels on the front of food packages to help prevent diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

They said clear warnings about excessive levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat would help consumers make informed food choices and reduce health risks. The day will be observed on 14 November.

This year’s World Diabetes Day is being observed under the theme “Early Action on Diabetes”. The call comes amid growing concerns over the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages, which are contributing to increased health risks.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), around 13.9 million people aged 20–79 were living with diabetes in Bangladesh in 2024. Of them, 39.1 per cent were unaware of their condition. The country also spent an estimated Tk12,000 crore on diabetes-related healthcare during the year.

Experts warn that increasing consumption of ultra-processed food products is adding to the diabetes burden. They say mandatory front-of-package labelling (FOPL) with clear warning signs would help consumers quickly identify products containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt and saturated fat and make informed purchasing decisions.

Research in Bangladesh has found that warning-based front-of-package labelling is the most effective way to help consumers identify ultra-processed products high in these nutrients.

Against this backdrop, advocates have stressed the need to finalise the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority's draft Safe Food (Packaged Food Labelling) Regulations, 2026 without dilution, exemptions or further delay, saying the measures are essential to strengthen diabetes prevention and protect public health.

Research also indicates that around 97 per cent of people in Bangladesh consume packaged food at least once a week. Meanwhile, the levels of salt, sugar and fat in many processed food products exceed the World Health Organisation's recommended daily limits.

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Early Action on Diabetes Must Begin with Informed Food Choices

In a statement marking World Diabetes Day 2026, ABM Zubair, executive director of research and advocacy organisation PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), said consumers had the right to know whether food products contained excessive amounts of sugar and other ingredients that could harm their health.

“As part of early action to prevent diabetes, consumers have the right to know whether food products contain excessive amounts of sugar and other ingredients that pose risks to their health,” he said.

He urged the authorities to finalise the draft regulations promptly and without interference, paving the way for mandatory warning labels on the front of food packages.