Safe food reduces hypertension risk

Food aid is delivered to displaced people in Zamzam camp in North Darfur, in November 2024. WFP-Mohamed Galal

Unsafe food is contributing to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases including hypertension and other health risks in Bangladesh. Research shows that, the economic burden of foodborne diseases exceeds USD 110 billion annually in low- and middle-income countries due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses. This year World Food Safety Day 2025 will be observed on 7th June under the theme “Food safety: science in action,” focusing on the crucial role that science plays in advancing research and knowledge to keep food safe. 

According to a recent report by the Health Sector Reform Commission, Bangladesh is experiencing a nutritional crisis, where chronic non-communicable and metabolic diseases linked to diet and lifestyle are becoming increasingly alarming. Hypertension is responsible for more than 10 million deaths globally every year and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), most of these deaths can be prevented through various policies, particularly those focused on healthy diet.

According to the latest Bangladesh NCD STEPS Survey 2022, 37% of adults add salt while eating meal and 13% consume processed food having high salt. As a result, the risk of hypertension is increasing.    

On the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), a research and advocacy organization, said, “Developing healthy eating habits can significantly lower the risk of various non-communicable diseases, including hypertension. Especially, reducing the amount of salt in the diet is essential along with eating plenty of vegetables and other fibre-rich foods. At the same time, formulation and implementation of necessary laws and policies is imperative to ensure safe food.” - Press Release