Contaminated food harms mothers, babies

Health experts at a programme yesterday said excessive use of pesticides and formalin in fruits and vegetables can cause a wide range of hazards to female health.

They were speaking at a programme titled “Dangerous effects of pesticides and formalin on women's health and society” jointly organised by Life and Health and Zonta Club of Dhaka 1, district 25, Area 2 at The Daily Star Centre.

During his presentation, Dr Nilanjon Sen, also the managing director of Life and Health, said, exposure to contaminated food affects both expectant mothers and their unborn child.

When mothers eat pesticide-contaminated food, it can affect the growth of the unborn child. Also, formalin-laced food can reach a newborn through breastfeeding, causing health hazards, Dr Sen added.

To get rid of contamination, Dr Sen suggested the use of “Carbon Green,” a pesticide-removing powder – initiated by Life and Health Limited, a project affiliated with Bangkok Hospital Office Bangladesh. 

The powder contains 85 percent Sodium Carbonate and 15 percent Activated Carbon which removes surface contamination from fruits and vegetables. 

A packet of “Carbon Green” consisting of five sachets can be bought for Tk 125 in Dhaka and Chittagong. 

The powder, which is manufactured in Thailand, was initiated to promote food safety culture in the country and reduce the superficial chemicals upto 95pc, Dr Sen said adding that it has been tested by BCSIR, OMIC, SGS and Kasetsert University laboratories of Thailand.