We all will have to forge social resistance against food adulteration as the holy month of Ramadan is approaching nearer. The authorities concerned must conduct frequent raids by mobile courts across the country to ensure supply of pure and hygienic food items in the local markets.
Muslims will start fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, the month of restraint and austerity. Therefore, the government should take measures to check adulteration and contamination of foods, particularly iftar items and fruits. Sale of various food items mixed with harmful chemicals and colours goes rampant during the month of Ramadan.
But the fact is that contaminated and adulterated food items are still flooding the markets across the country. Organised gangs in different places of the country, including the capital Dhaka, are involved in manufacturing various food items.
A section of traders uses various chemicals, including formalin, in fruits and fish to keep them fresh for long and consumption of affects public health. Although as a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has been working to formulate and control standards in production, sales and marketing of products in the country but it cannot do anything against criminals and dishonest people.
Contaminated and
adulterated food items are still
flooding the markets
across the country
Like in the past, the authorities concerned, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders this year must be determined to ensure quality and safe products and foods for all. Access to safe and quality food and other products is a right of consumers, but people are being deprived of their rights.
It is very important to ensure quality of products and services in all fields to in the interest of public health. The authorities will have to ensure quality of food items and products alongside curbing adulteration and creating awareness among businesspeople against such offences.
As part of the initiatives, the authorities, including BSTI, city corporations, law enforcement agencies and district administration, should conduct anti-adulteration drives as different kinds of delicious iftar items are made of toxic colour and contaminated oil. The government agencies will also have to conduct awareness campaign across the country involving people from all walks of life to make them aware of the adverse impact of food adulteration.
