At least13% of dried fish produced in Bangladesh were found to contain traces of pesticides, while the remaining 87% are considered safe for consumption, according to findings of a new study.
The findings were presented on Wednesday at a seminar titled “Presentation of Research Results” organized by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) at its headquarters in Shahbagh.
Researchers noted that even in the dried fish samples where pesticide residues were detected, the levels dropped significantly after cooking.
The study, based on samples collected from five major dried fish-producing regions — Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Dublar Char, Chalan Beel (Natore), and Sunamganj — analyzed 405 samples in total. It found an average of 13% pesticide usage across the selected samples.
The study further revealed consumption preferences among regions. In Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, Churi shutki is the most consumed variety (57% and 55% respectively) while in Chalan Beel, Taki shutki dominates (37%), and in Dublar Char, Loitta shutki is the preferred choice (46%).
BFSA Member Dr Mohammad Mostafa chaired the seminar, while BFSA Chairman Jakaria attended as the chief guest. Dr Md Ariful Islam, senior scientific officer at the Shrimp Research Centre under the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, presented the research findings.
Panel discussants included Prof Dr Md Tajul Islam Chowdhury of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and Dr Md Nazmul Bari, principal scientific officer at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute. Prof Dr Mohammad Shoeb, also a BFSA member, delivered the welcome address.
Jakaria said that the research was part of seven studies undertaken during FY 2022–23. "The results reflect the researchers’ findings and not the official position of the BFSA. These do not represent the national picture, but provide limited insight," he said.
“If higher levels of concern are found in preliminary studies, BFSA will propose broader research to relevant stakeholders,” he added.
He further warned that the use of pesticides in dried fish would be treated as a punishable offense.
Stressing the need for clear definitions, he said: “Many practices are socially considered adulteration but may not be scientifically so. It’s crucial to define what qualifies as adulteration. The use of pesticides in dried fish should be treated as such.”
In his welcome speech, Dr Shoeb said that certain banned pesticides are still being used in dried fish.
He referenced a recent Basel Convention proposal that seeks to prohibit 10 such pesticides, two of which are currently in use in Bangladesh.
Dr Ariful Islam said that 60% of the country’s protein intake comes from fish and meat. “Most dried fish producers lack formal education, leading to improper processing. Pesticides are often used when sunlight is insufficient — typically between October and March,” he said.
He added that most pesticide use is associated with sun-drying processes. Of 260 core samples analyzed, only 13% contained detectable pesticide levels.
Daily per capita consumption of dried fish by region was found to be 15.72g in Cox’s Bazar, 14.48g in Chittagong, 7.84g in Sunaganj, 9.56g in Chalan Beel, and 12.22g in Dublar Char.
Higher concentrations of endosulfan sulfate were detected in samples from all five regions, while smaller amounts of dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, and beta-endosulfan were also found.
Dr Nazmul Bari highlighted the widespread use of polythene in dried fish processing and called for the inclusion of microplastics in future studies.
He also advocated for transitioning from traditional sun-drying methods to mechanical drying for improved safety.
Speakers noted that soaking dried fish in water or saltwater for a few hours can reduce harmful effects.
The seminar was attended by representatives from various private organizations, government agencies, civil society members, and media personnel.