How safe is the food we eat?

We consume food to live. Yet how safe are the foods that we are consuming on a daily basis? Many of what we eat are subject to adulteration. This happens from the production state till it reaches the hands of consumers—at every stage food is being adulterated. This has serious health consequences. This includes chronic ailments which have devastating effects on our lives.

To prevent adulteration of food, the state machinery has to play a significant role. The food safety authority must enhance its watchdog role. But instead, we are observing that they cannot effectively play a significant role due to limitations. There are good laws in place but lack of implementation or loopholes mean that the culprits remain untouched. The government must ensure that the food for consumption is safe. It must enhance vigilance across the country.

Moreover, awareness must be created among mass people and exemplary punishment has to be ensured, as food adulteration is no less than a criminal offense.

Mohammad Zonaed Emran

Mutual Trust Bank Limited Corporate Head Office, Dhaka