Food safety
there is a crying need in Bangladesh for regulatory efforts to control this unethical practice of food adulteration
In eateries across the country from restaurants with full-fledged premises to humble push-carts it is not uncommon to see flies buzzing over food, food being exposed to the elements and a general lack of cleanliness. Food and waterborne diseases are no joke: some medical experts estimate that every month, hundreds of Pakistanis end up in hospital due to gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Even the food we buy for consumption at home is suspect produce, meat and milk are often stored in a manner that exposes them to dust and insects. Even if the existing food safety laws are fully implemented and restaurant owners and smaller-scale food merchants are sensitised about the importance of good hygiene, it would result in safer food being sold to consumers.
Food adulteration has reached to an alarming level in Bangladesh. The sufferings of the consumers in Bangladesh due to food contamination have made their life agonized and hence there is a crying need in Bangladesh for regulatory efforts to control this unethical practice.
Article 15 of the Constitution of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh (Constitution) states that it shall be a fundamental responsibility of the state to secure to the citizens provision of the basic necessities of life including food. Article 18 of the Constitution states that the State shall raise the level of nutrition and improve public health as its primary duty. Both the provisions speak up for food safety requirements for the citizens of Bangladesh.
International food chains sourcing ingredients from across the world have a significant presence in many cities and towns, while shelves in urban supermarkets are crammed with foreign food items. This is not to suggest that all imported foodstuffs are suspect; however, tighter oversight of imported food is required to ensure that no substandard material enters the country. Observers familiar with the food import business claim the customs authorities simply rely on the suppliers certification when it comes to meat products and rarely carry out physical inspections themselves. It is also said that well-connected importers convince the customs staff to clear consignments without proper checks.
Awareness should be created for food safety and to overcome food hazards in a bid to ensure healthy environment. When it comes to food safety, there can be no room for lethargy where standards are concerned as it is a matter of public health. Sadly, across the country food safety laws are violated with impunity.
