Bangladeshi food products have encountered numerous issues in recent years, many of which are related to adulteration.
Food adulteration is the deliberate addition of hazardous chemicals or substances to food items in order to increase its weight or visual appeal. Artificial colors, synthetic tastes, chemical preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, and hormones are the most prevalent types of adulterants detected in food.
Food adulteration is common in many parts of the world, but it is especially prevalent in Bangladesh, where it has reached epidemic proportions, said a press release on Thursday.
In 2019, a research by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) revealed that 52% of food samples collected from all over the nation were contaminated.
A research by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies found that approximately 26 million people in the country contract food-borne illnesses each year. Children under the age of five are more susceptible to the effects of contaminated food, thus this number includes them. The analysis estimates that food-borne illness has had a 2% impact on Bangladesh's GDP.
This startling number illustrates the severity of the issue and how it affects the general public's health.
Numerous health issues, such as cancer, kidney failure, digestive issues, and even death, can be brought on by eating adulterated food.
In Bangladesh, practically all food products are adulterated in some way. Milk, fish, fruits, vegetables, spices, and oil are the foods that are most frequently contaminated.
Chemicals like formalin, carbide, and pesticides are among the adulterants used in these food products.
An invisible substance called formalin is used to preserve corpses. Fish, fruits, and vegetables are however frequently preserved with it in Bangladesh. If formalin is ingested over an extended length of time, it can result in cancer, kidney failure, and other health issues. Another hazardous substance used to ripen fruit is carbide. It may result in nausea, diarrhoea, and other medical issues.
In order to protect crops from hazardous insects, pesticides are frequently employed in agriculture. To improve their production, however, dishonest traders frequently apply excessive amounts of pesticides in Bangladesh.
If pesticides are taken in significant amounts, they can lead to cancer, birth defects, and other health issues.
Mangoes, jackfruit, pineapples, and bananas are just a few of the many fruits popular in Bangladesh. However, the quality and safety of these fruits have been significantly impacted by the pervasive use of chemicals like formalin and carbide.
Fruits are artificially ripened using carbon dioxide. The method entails soaking the fruits in water that contains carbide, which produces ethylene gas and hastens the ripening of the fruits. The fruits are rendered unfit for ingestion as a result of this procedure, which also changes the taste and texture of the fruits. If taken in significant doses, carbon dioxide can result in fatal health issues such vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of consciousness.
Milk is an essential source of nutrition for people worldwide. However, due to adulteration, the quality of milk in Bangladesh is seriously harmed. Unscrupulous dealers frequently add water, detergent, urea, and other chemicals to milk, reducing its nutritious content and posing serious health risks.
Urea is a chemical that is used in fertilizers, but it is also added to milk to artificially boost its protein level. However, excessive urea ingestion can lead to renal failure and other health issues.
Another ingredient added to milk to boost its volume is detergent. If ingested in large quantities, detergent can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other health concerns.
Oil is a crucial element in cooking, but in Bangladesh, the quality of oil is frequently degraded due to adulteration. Corrupt dealers frequently combine low-quality oils with high-quality oils to boost their volume. They also include compounds such as palm oil, argemone oil, and cottonseed oil to boost their profit margins. Palm oil is low-cost oil that is commonly utilized in the food sector. However, excessive intake of palm oil can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.
Argemone oil is poisonous oil derived from the seeds of the argemone plant. It is frequently used with mustard oil, which is a popular cooking oil in Bangladesh.
One of the primary causes for the prevalence of contaminated food in Bangladesh is a lack of efficient regulation and enforcement procedures. The government institutions in charge of monitoring and enforcing food safety rules are frequently understaffed, underfunded, and ill-equipped to deal with the magnitude of the problem.
As a result, dishonest traders and manufacturers can get away with adulterating food without fear of prosecution.
Another factor contributing to the rise of contaminated food culture in Bangladesh is a lack of consumer awareness and education. Many people are unaware of the consequences of consuming contaminated food and, as a result, are unable to make informed decisions when purchasing food items. Furthermore, there are no visible symptoms of adulteration, making it impossible for consumers to recognize the product.
The economic factors surrounding the food industry in Bangladesh also contribute to the problem of adulterated food. Many farmers and food manufacturers are under pressure to produce large quantities of food at a low cost in order to compete in the market. As a result, they resort to using cheap and harmful additives to increase the volume and visual attraction of their products.
Aside from the impact on public health, the issue of tainted food has a huge influence on Bangladesh's economy. The prevalence of adulteration greatly hampers the export of food products, which might be a significant source of revenue for the country. Countries that import food from Bangladesh are increasingly worried about the safety of the products they receive, and as a response, several have implemented strict rules on Bangladesh imports.
One of the first steps toward addressing the issue would be to tighten the regulatory framework for food safety and ensure that the authorities in charge of monitoring and enforcing food safety standards are sufficiently staffed, funded, and equipped. In addition, initiatives should be made to improve consumer awareness of the risks associated with consuming tainted food and to arm them with the information they need to make prudent choices.
Furthermore, the government should consider assisting farmers and food processors in adopting sustainable and safe farming practices. This could entail giving them access to training, resources, and cash to assist them in meeting the need for safe and high-quality food items.
To summarize, the prevalence of contaminated food culture in Bangladesh is a huge public health risk that threatens the overall community. The problem stems from a lack of effective regulation and enforcement procedures, consumer ignorance and education, economic factors affecting the food business, and other causes.
To solve this issue, the government and other stakeholders must act quickly to strengthen the regulatory framework for food safety, raise consumer knowledge, and assist farmers and food producers in adopting sustainable and safe farming practices.
Md Muzakkeerul Huda, is an Associate Professor & Chairman of School of Business at Presidency University
