Experts called for strict enforcement of existing laws and enhancing awareness among the people to ensure adulteration- free and poison-free food.
They made the call on Saturday at a discussion on ‘Toxicity in Food:
Existing Laws’ at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the city. Doctors for Health and Environment (DHEN), Kendrio Khelaghar Ashor and Poribesh Bachao Andolan (Paba) organized the discussion.
Presided over by Khelaghar Chairperson Prof Mahfuza Khanam, Dr. Shuvogata Chowdhury, former adviser of WHO Dr. Mazaharul Haq, Dr. Fazlur Rahman and Dr. Azizul Haq, among others, participated in the discussion.
Paba Secretary Syed Mahbubul Alam presented a keynote paper while Dr. Lelin Chowdhury moderated the discussion. The keynote paper said that the government’s seven ministries are involved in the task of ensuring safe and quality food for the people and there are 23 laws in the country to carry out the job.
The speakers said harmful chemicals are being added to fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, spices and other food items. Marketing of adulterated food is increasing day by day, as there is no adequate monitoring and enforcement of law, they added.
This situation is creating health hazard for the consumers, the speakers said and suggested creating public awareness and strict enforcement of laws to get rid of the hazard.
