Solution simple

Thoughts about and reactions to the danger posed by the use of formalin show why Bangladeshis, as a nation, are on a nosedive. Formalin is a harmful chemical. But the main problem does not lie with formalin; rather it is related to food preservation technology.

And Bangladesh does not follow the globally acceptable standard system for fresh food preservation.

The system is known as Cool Chain.

The food preservation technology is very easy. Any fresh food goes through three types of reactions: chemical, bacterial and enzyme. Two methods can be applied to prevent this change. First, we can dry up the fruits or vegetables or, second, we can keep them in the cold.

To keep them at low temperature, the products have to be preserved in cold storage from the stage of their production.

Some small cold storages are now available in China, which are very cost-effective and modular. Parts of them can be assembled anywhere.

If the government sets up two such cold storages -- one for fish and meat and the other for vegetables -- at each small market the traders will not need to use formalin.

The setting up of two such cold storages at small markets might cost around Tk 30 lakh. In total, Tk 15 crore will be required to set up 100 cold storages in around 50 markets in Dhaka city. Half of the problems caused by the use of formalin in the capital may be solved at a cost of only Tk 15 crore!

Such cold storages will have to be set up in the wholesale markets to get rid of the remaining half of the problem. It may cost another Tk 50 crore, which will solve the problem stemming from the abuse of formalin in Dhaka city.

Traders use formalin to extend the life of fresh foods. If the perishable products get completely rotten the traders will lose their whole capital. But those who trade in fresh food are mostly small traders. It is not possible for them to set up two cold storages at a cost of Tk 30 lakh near their markets. If the government sets them up with technology, they can buy the service. But the government, its advisers or the administration are not taking this simple step.

There are movements against the use of formalin. The local media are providing extensive coverage about the dangers of formalin use. Laws have been enacted, traders arrested and seminars held. But the government is nowhere close to the action that must be carried out.

One thing has to be clear: the problem of fresh food is not unique in Bangladesh. It is a global phenomenon. Almost all countries are facing it.

But Bangladesh will not invest crores of taka to invent the solution to the problem, as technology has already been developed and standardised throughout the world.

The solution will be clearer if we look at the examples from different developed countries as to how they have solved the problem.

Bangladesh can also solve the problem through using the same method.  Fresh laws need not be enacted. We will just have to do the work that is necessary. We will have to set up cold chains to preserve fresh food in Bangladesh.

It is high time to take some action for real improvement in the scene.

We can also look at other areas for further improvement.

In Japan, where I now live, licences must be taken for commercial farming of all perishable foods and vegetables.

In the application, the licencees have to clearly mention the type of chemicals and pesticides they are going to use.

(The writer is a non-resident Bangladeshi and has been living in Japan for more than 20 years.)