Heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium, have been detected in fish, vegetables, and fruits in Bangladesh. Additionally, excessive use of pesticides is prevalent to accelerate crop growth. Consequently, children, the elderly, and pregnant women face significant health risks.
According to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) is working to address these issues by 2030 to ensure the objective to "End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition, and Promote Sustainable Agriculture."
These remarks were made during a "Meet the Press" seminar organized to discuss the overall activities of the BFSA at its office in Dhaka on Monday.
Zakaria, chairman of the BFSA, was present as the chief guest at the seminar. BFSA members Mahmudul Kabir Murad and Md Wahiduzzaman also attended, among others.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Prof Dr Ruhul Amin from the Institute of Food and Nutrition, Dhaka University.
The article reported that heavy metals and harmful chemicals have been found in croplands located near high-traffic areas and industrial factories. River water from the Buriganga, Shitalakshya, Turag, and Karnaphuli rivers contains cadmium, lead, and chromium, while groundwater is contaminated with arsenic. Due to these factors, lead has been detected in mangoes, cadmium in tomatoes, and arsenic in tilapia fish. The highest levels of harmful substances were found in tomatoes, beans, gourds, okra, and eggplants.
Speaking about food safety, Dr. Ruhul Amin said: "It is not known how much any food contains. However, the use of pesticides is high in fruits and vegetables because our farmers do not follow the rules and regulations for pesticide use. Therefore, it is important to establish rules and raise public awareness."
He further emphasized that food safety depends on three levels: public food safety, third-party oversight, and national-level regulation.
"To ensure safe food, we must address these three levels. All foods contain some harmful substances, so we need to consume food with this in mind," he explained.
For example, 23.8% of people in villages and 38% in cities consume fruits. In contrast, 15.7% of villagers and 33.1% of city dwellers consume beef and poultry, while 10.1% of villagers and 18.9% of urban residents consume eggs.
Dr Ruhul Amin also noted an increase in the production of eggs, milk, and meat. He remarked: "The production of eggs, milk, and meat in the country has increased. However, the consumption rate among the wealthy is 7%, while the consumption rate among the poor is only 2%."
Addressing the use of pesticides on vegetables, BFSA Chairman Zakaria commented: "Soaking vegetables for 15 minutes can somewhat reduce the effects of pesticides. However, highly unsafe or harmful foods, such as liver-based foods, should be consumed in small quantities. Training farmers on pesticide use is also essential."
Responding to reporters' questions, Zakaria said: "Testing food samples is a routine task. Each district office is required to send at least two samples per month. Even when vegetables arrive safely, they may become contaminated due to market conditions."
When asked about initiatives to maintain clean market environments, Zakaria responded: "This responsibility falls on local governments and municipalities. Our scope to act in this area is limited. Additionally, it is challenging to test products in open markets since they are not produced there."
He added: "However, we monitor whether restaurants serve adulterated food. If adulteration is found, authorities take strict action. That said, we lack the power to close restaurants; this depends on the court. Currently, 167 cases are pending in the Pure Food Assurance Court."
Highlighting the BFSA's limitations, Zakaria stated: "Our main limitation is insufficient manpower and the challenge of ensuring proper labeling of products to guarantee safe food. Currently, 248 staff members are working across the country. Additionally, three more laboratories will be established in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Khulna through foreign grants for food safety testing. An application will be submitted to the government to appoint manpower for 318 additional posts."
Addressing journalists, he said: "Our responsibility has increased. We must provide 510 million safe meals to 170 million people. Despite the impact of inflation, we are committed to delivering pure and safe food to the public. To achieve this, we need the cooperation of the media and journalists along with the efforts of the food safety authority."
