Safe Food Day

THE government has drafted a Safe Food Law (2013) which is likely to be passed by the parliament soon. To prevent widespread food adulteration and to ensure availability of safe food in the country the government is also in the process of forming a single agency styled Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA).

It is common knowledge that the whole population is being slow poisoned through all types of food, be it agricultural, diary, poultry, fishery, bottled, canned etc. These products contain chemicals which are highly toxic like synthetic chemical pesticides; chemical fertilisers; preservatives like formalin; growth hormones; synthetic colour-sweetener-flavour-test enhancer etc. Either the food contains these chemicals which are not fit for human consumption or contains a higher level that the maximum safe limit allowed for use.

The effect of this slow poisoning on public health is very dreadful. The challenge to provide safe food to people is daunting. To be effective, only the law and an agency will not be sufficient at all. It has to be an all encompassing movement. Public in general, various ministries like agriculture & commerce, NGOs, trade bodies, organisations engaged in social activities etc., has to be brought on board to be a partner of the movement. To build up public awareness and also to rejuvenate the movement, ministry of food should earmark a day in a year as 'Safe Food' day.

In the year 2012 during the month of June, 14 children died in Dinajpur and Thakurgown due to eating insecticide sprayed litchi. Hence, we appeal to the government to declare the 14th of June as Safe Food day.

The writer is a retired Lieutenant Colonel.
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