A two-day knowledge-sharing workshop on strengthening Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) at Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) factories in Rajshahi concluded on Monday, marking a significant step toward improving food safety and nutrition outcomes in Bangladesh.
The workshop was organized by the Millers for Nutrition Coalition, powered by TechnoServe, with support from the Gates Foundation. It is part of ongoing efforts to enhance food fortification systems and improve public health outcomes. The program reviewed eight months of technical support (September 2025–April 2026) provided to FRK industries, focusing on strengthening Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), improving compliance with international standards such as HACCP and ISO 22000, and enhancing overall product quality and safety.
The workshop commenced on Sunday at the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogra with an inaugural session attended by Md Zahirul Islam Khan, Director (SDM), DG Food, as chief guest. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rice fortification program and emphasized the importance of ensuring a consistent supply of quality FRK. Government is planning to make the Food Safety System Certification mandatory in the procurement process for FRK in future.
Md Guljer Ahmmed, Country Program Manager of TechnoServe, delivered the welcome address, highlighting progress in strengthening Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and advancing HACCP implementation. Technical sessions led by Md Nayem Zobayer, Senior Food Fortification Specialist, TechnoServe and Md Mahade Hassan, Consultant, FSMS, TechnoServe presented a comparative ‘before and after’ analysis, demonstrating improvements in factory standards and food safety practices.
The workshop also included practical learning components. Participants visited Ruposhi Rice Flour & Pusti Mill in Bogra on the first day and Kamal Auto Rice Mill in Rajshahi on the second day, where they observed standardized production processes, quality control measures, and improved premix handling practices.
Participants expressed strong appreciation for the technical support received. The Managing Director of Kamal Auto Rice Mill, Md Kamal Uddin, noted that the intervention significantly improved compliance, product quality, and food safety practices, while emphasizing the importance of continued support to sustain progress.
Md Anwar Hossain, Proprietor of Anwar Fortified Industry Said, “FSMS support has significantly improved our operations, ensuring better compliance, efficiency and product quality.”
Despite notable achievements, several challenges were identified, including gaps in documentation and record-keeping, limited infrastructure, inconsistent premix handling, and weak internal audit systems. Discussions highlighted the need for stronger management commitment, enhanced technical capacity, and a culture of food safety within the industry.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony in Rajshahi, where Md Afif-Al-Mahmud Bhuiyan, Deputy Director (SDM), DG Food, attended as Chief Guest. He emphasized the critical role of food safety in ensuring national nutrition security and the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
Special guests from development partners, including Dr Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman (WFP) and Engr. Md Akib Abrar (Nutrition International), stressed the need to transition from short-term technical assistance to long-term sustainable industry practices.
The workshop brought together representatives from 13 major FRK industries. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening FSMS and ensuring the production of safe, high-quality fortified rice for the people of Bangladesh.