A recent study by Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in Dinajpur found serious bacterial contamination in 80 per cent of food samples it had examined.

The 2024 study, findings of which have recently been published in the Swiss journal ‘Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology’, examined food items both for humans and animals.

Samples of food, including milk and eggs, and of animal feed have been found contaminated particularly with Bacillus cereus, which could induce vomiting and diarrhoea.

The study, led by associate professor Dr Md Atikul Haque of the department of microbiology at HSTU, was published on June 19.

‘Bacillus cereus is far more widespread in Bangladesh’s food supply chain than previously assumed,’ said Dr Md Atikul Haque, highlighting the need for regulatory interventions across the country’s food supply chain.

The researchers arrived at their conclusions following the successful application of a testing method known as loop-mediated isothermal amplification, in short LAMP, in what is claimed to be the first time of its kind.

Atikul said that the LAMP method confirmed its findings in 90 minutes, which was far less than the time needed for conducting the same test by the traditional PCR machines.

A PCR machine completes the same task in three to five hours, according to the research lead.

The use of the method also lowers the cost of the test by 57 per cent, from $5.8 per test to $2.5 per test.

‘In many cases, the target bacteria can be identified within 40 minutes, with full visual confirmation achieved in 90 minutes,’ Atikul said, adding, ‘Even in resource-limited settings lacking advanced labs, this technology can play a vital role in protecting public health and ensuring safe food production.’

The study was conducted in association with the department of microbiology at Noakhali Science and Technology University.