The cabinet on Monday approved in principle a draft proposal for the “Pure Food Act 2013” which cites a maximum of 14 years of imprisonment and fines of up to Tk2m for violators.
The draft law, which proposes constituting the “Bangladesh Pure Food Authority” was discussed elaborately in the regular meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
A number of recommendations were also made which would be integrated into the law by the food ministry before its passage to the law ministry for its endorsement.
Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan told reporters the food ministry drew up the proposed act by amending the Pure Food Ordinance, 1969 in line with a cabinet instruction.
The draft act would be placed again in the cabinet for final approval once it is vetted by the law ministry.
The proposed law states the constituted authority would examine the quality of food products, test for adulteration, confiscate adulterated products and take legal action against individuals or organisations responsible. It also calls for the formation of an advisory council to provide policy-level support to the regulatory body.
Separate technical committees and panels will be formed comprising of experts from different organisations and institutes who would help curb food adulteration and the mixing of harmful chemicals in food products.
Mosharraf added that the Bangladesh Pure Food Authority would be empowered to make physical visits to packaging places and test the food items.
The cabinet secretary continued that the law differentiates offences into two categories. Minor offences will be tried at mobile courts and major ones will be tried at general tribunals. Special food safety tribunals will also be constituted under the proposed law.
For first-time violators, the punitive measures would be from two to seven years in prison and up to Tk1m in fines. However, in the case of repeat offences, the punishment would be doubled, meaning up to 14-year prison terms and Tk2m in fines.
Food Minister Abdur Razzaque told the Dhaka Tribune afterwards that they had initially included the provision of capital punishment for violations but that was cut down after consultation with experts and stakeholders.