Invent alternative to formalin
Environment and Forests Minister Hasan Mahmud urged scientists to invent an alternative to formalin for the safe preservation of foodstuff.
He was addressing as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the 9th Annual Scientific Conference of Chittagong University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CUVAS) in a city hotel on Thursday evening.
The theme of the conference was “Food Safety in Bangladesh: Issues and Challenges”. Around 200 researchers from countries including Denmark, India, Japan and Pakistan attended the two-day conference.
Hasan said detrimental chemicals like formalin are frequently used to preserve foodstuff as the country's existing laws on ensuring safe food are not sufficient to prevent the adulteration of food.
Though the population increased three times in the last fifty years, the country does not need to import “that much of foodstuff” as scientists and researchers helped increase the production of crops several fold, he said.
Developing consciousness, alongside application of laws, in people from all walks of life is necessary to ensure safe food and prevent environmental pollution, he added.
He expressed hope that CUVAS would play a vital role, not only in educating students but also in presenting developments in food preservation techniques.
University Grants Commission member Prof Dr Akhter Hossain and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Pran Gopal Datta were present at the programme with CUVAS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr AS Mahfuzul Bari in the chair.
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