There are few places in the world where food safety is compromised as widely as it is done in this part of the world for enhancing profit. From production, storing and processing of agricultural produce to preparation and serving as food, the consumables have a chance of undergoing some kind of contamination---chemical or otherwise at every stage. Yes, such contamination can happen from environmental sources. If such contamination is not deliberate, there are wilful introduction of foreign agents to give produce a better look or longer shelf life. These and many more informative statistics were disclosed at the event organised at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) to mark the National Food Safety Day held every year on February 2.
First, the excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides leaves residual effects considered harmful to human and animal health. If the staples carry the residual poisonous agents in them, primarily the human beings fall victim to them and the domestic animals that eat rice bran and straws can cause chemical contamination of the food chain. Then there are deliberate cases of contamination in order to maximise profit. It is against this backdrop, The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority's detection of contamination, adulteration and low nutritional content in 571 out of a total 1,713 samples, consisting 33 per cent, is highly important. When the extent of problem is precisely known, it becomes easier to address it. How this happens gives a clue to unravelling the problem.
Admittedly, food adulteration such as introduction of urea in chilli and application of non-food grade colours in preparation of bakery items are no secret. True, some contamination happens at the farming level due to ignorance but those can be addressed by launching an awareness programme preferably including guidance in the manuals of agriculture extension officers. There is no reason why farmers will not be convinced of the merit of applying the required amounts of chemical fertilisers and pesticides instead of excessive amounts because of reduction of costs in the process. Then farmers have to be persuaded to maintain the specific gap between application of pesticides and harvest of vegetables and fruits.
Undoubtedly, organic and healthy foods prepared in hygienic condition are nothing but a developed culture. Unless businesspeople become a part of that enlightened state of mind and the general population are encouraged to defend their rights to safe foods, abuse of healthy and hygienic food cannot be prevented. The mindset that without heavy application of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, the growing demand for foods cannot be met needs a radical transformation. A right balance between quantity and quality has to be struck before the nation can advance to a desirable safe food equation. In terms of food wastage that happens widely in the developed world, this nation does not lag far behind but in terms of maintenance of healthy and hygienic standard its record is poor. Much of the solution to the problem lies here. In a country where 31.5 per cent people still confront food deficit, food wastage is criminal. Modern transportation and storage system can reduce this kind of wastage. Ensuring nutritious and safe food for every citizen is guaranteed in both national and international charters. The nation must aspire to attain that level of food security.
