It is good to note that the government is going tough on selling and producing adulterated and expired food items in order to ensure safe food for all. Already the government has imposed strict restrictions on the sale of adulterated, counterfeit and expired food.
As reported by this daily on Saturday the government is going to amend the existing food act and the amendments propose fines up to 12 lakh taka and five years of imprisonment for violating clauses or rules in the law.
The amendments also proposes that food traders must reveal detailed information about the chemicals used in their products. Staff also need to be trained for safe food production and management. Failure to comply with the provisions of the regulations will result in penalties for food traders.
The recent situation regarding the hygienic
standard of all marketable foods paints a
grim picture of food safety in the country
It is alarming to note that more than 75 percent of all foods sold in the markets are adulterated in some way. Also there has been a plethora of reports on use of tannery waste as poultry feed. Experts are of the opinion that consumption of tannery waste through eating fish and poultry might lead to liver and kidney diseases.
On the other hand, the fruits and vegetables grown within the country have been found to contain high amounts of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. It needs no emphasising that consumption of such fruits and vegetables leads to long-term health risks.
The recent situation regarding the hygienic standard of all marketable foods paints a grim picture of food safety in the country. There is a need to strictly enforce hygiene practices at all levels of food production. Also, farmers must be encouraged to cultivate vegetables in an organic way. Pragmatic steps should be taken to educate farmers about the dire impact of overusing pesticides on human health and environment.
