Form authority to implement safe food act, HC tells govt

This undated Star file photo shows bright colours of fruits displayed at a shop in Karwan Bazar in Dhaka make one assume they are juicy and good. However, one wonders if they are safe to eat or tainted with toxic chemicals.

The High Court today directed the government to form a five-member authority in three months to implement the Nirapad Khaddya Ain (Safe Food Act) - 2013 to ensure public safety and health.

While hearing a writ petition, the court also asked the government to constitute a National Safe Food Management Advisory Council to coordinate the actions and decisions of the safe food authority and to make necessary recommendations.

The government will have form the committee comprising with its 28 high officials by three months, writ petitioner’s counsel Syed Mohidul Kabir told The Daily Star.

The High Court bench of Justice Mirza Hossain Haider and Justice Md Ataur rahman Khan also asked the government to submit a report before it in three months after complying with the order.

The government today submitted a report before the HC bench saying that it has already started working for constituting the safe food authority and the coordination committee as per the Safe food Act-2013.