Packaged Foods Blamed for causing Health Risks

Excessive salt consumption—especially from processed packaged foods (PPFs)—is fuelling a silent health crisis in Bangladesh, contributing to a sharp rise in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Yet, authorities have failed to enforce food labeling laws or initiate large-scale public awareness campaigns. No front-of-package labeling (FOPL) system has been introduced, despite growing calls from health experts.

According to WHO guidelines, daily salt intake should not exceed 5 grams. In Bangladesh, the average intake is nearly 9 grams—almost double the safe limit. Hypertension now affects 21% of the population, rising by 0.51% annually.

Globally, high salt consumption is responsible for 1.89 million deaths each year. WHO estimates 1.28 billion people between ages 30 and 79 suffer from hypertension. In Bangladesh, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 70% of premature deaths, with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) contributing 34%, according to a study by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB).

Salt overconsumption in the country stems not only from processed foods but also from traditional dietary habits, including pickled fruits, table salt, and salted snacks.

A recent NHFB community survey found that 97% of Bangladeshis consume at least one PPF item weekly. Biscuits were most common (78%), followed by chanachur (53%), noodles (52%), chocolates (46%), chips (45%), cake (42%), and bread (31%).

A market study of 1,397 food items showed biscuits, chocolates, and chips were among the most frequently purchased. Lab analysis of 105 PPF samples revealed that 35.2% contained very high salt content (over 1.5g per 100g), while 26.7% had moderately high levels (0.75–1.5g). Only 38.1% met acceptable thresholds, based on UK and Mexican FOPL standards.

Worryingly, 42% of product labels underreported salt levels, and only 25.7% accurately matched lab results. Nearly 9% of items didn’t disclose salt content at all—despite regulations by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) requiring such information.

Consumer awareness remains alarmingly low. While 56.7% of surveyed individuals said they checked labels, most looked only at expiry dates or brand names. Just 4% reviewed nutritional details like salt content.

“People are consuming more salt than they realise, often unknowingly,” said a policy expert at BFSA. “We urgently need clearer front-of-pack labels and better public education.”

Despite a 2017 regulation by BFSA mandating nutritional disclosure, there are still no national benchmarks for salt content in processed foods.

Bangladesh has committed to WHO’s goal of reducing population salt intake by 30% by 2030. Experts warn that without immediate policy action—including mandatory FOPL and robust awareness drives—this target will not be met.

“A ticking time bomb,” said Dr Farhana Rahman, cardiologist at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. “People are unknowingly consuming dangerous levels of sodium, and we’re seeing the consequences daily.”

Nutrition researcher SM Hasan called it a systemic failure: “Without proper labels and regulatory oversight, consumers have no way to make healthier choices.”

While neighbouring countries have adopted effective FOPL systems with measurable public health benefits, Bangladesh lags behind.

Inaction could lead to worsening NCD burdens, overwhelming the already stretched healthcare system. Health advocates are now urging the government to act swiftly, implement mandatory front-label reforms, and enforce existing laws more rigorously.

Professor Syed Zakir Hossain, Line Director of the NCD Control Programme at DGHS, said the government is committed to reducing NCDs and is currently developing a national salt reduction strategy.

Professor Dr Mohammad Shoeb, Member of BFSA, admitted that while laws require disclosure of salt, sugar, and fat, many companies fail to comply or print the information in unreadable formats. He confirmed that the authority is revising regulations to introduce a user-friendly FOPL system.

Public Reactions:

Awareness of salt-related health risks remains low, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

“I buy whatever is affordable and easy to cook,” said Sharmeen Akter, a working mother in Dhaka. “I don’t have time to read small print, and I don’t know what to look for.”

University student Mahfuz Alam from Chattogram expressed frustration: “Even if I want to avoid salty food, I can’t trust the labels. There’s no clear warning.”

Older people with hypertension or heart conditions feel trapped. “Processed food is everywhere now,” said Abdul Haque, a retired teacher from Rajshahi. “My doctor says to avoid salt, but everything already contains too much.”

Meherun Nesa, a community health worker in Sylhet, said the public is not equipped to make informed choices. “There’s no grassroots education on salt intake. We need both awareness and accountability from food companies.”