Reinstate radiation test for imported food items

The daily Prothom Alo reported on February 6 that after having received a request from the food ministry, the commerce ministry withdrew the mandatory requirement for radiation tests of imported rice, which are supposed to be carried out by Atomic Energy Commission. The food ministry argued that this would save time and cost, but the scientists and experts expressed concerns and warned of potential health risks. If food items contain excessive levels of radiation, it may cause numerous diseases in human body including cancer. We fail to understand why the government took such a dangerous step ignoring public health risks, but we hope it will reconsider its decision.

Sirajul Islam, By email