It is clear that Bangladesh suffers from a serious case of food adulteration. Be it fish, fruits, vegetables, or meat -- we have seen countless incidents of our food not being safe to eat.
But when there is high level of contaminants in the country’s milk and dairy products, suddenly, this issue becomes that much more serious.
In a survey conducted by the National Food Safety Laboratory, it was found that 96% of all the samples tested had microbial contaminants, including lead and other toxins. Health professionals say that consumption of these contaminants can put people’s lives at risk through liver and kidney problems, and even increase the chances of cancer.
Milk and dairy products are ubiquitous in our diet, and especially in the diets of our children -- it is the one food that mothers will insist that their children consume on a daily basis, and has long been accepted as an integral component of a child’s healthy upbringing.
Therefore, the fact that the country’s milk and dairy products could increase risks of cancer is absolutely a cause for alarm and outrage, and needs to be addressed immediately.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque’s words -- that it was not sufficient to simply enact laws addressing such food contamination, that such laws also have to be enforced -- are a welcome sign that this issue is not going to be taken lightly.
Bangladesh has made great strides in food production, and is nearly self-sufficient. What needs to be addressed now is the quality of food our children are being fed.
