Declare 14th June 'Safe Food Day'

The government has enacted 'Safe Food Law (2013)', gazette notification of which will be made soon. To prevent widespread food adulteration and to ensure availability of safe food, the government has also formed 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 - dairy, poultry; fishery, bottled, or canned food, you name it. These products contain chemicals which are highly toxic. They are pesticides, fertilizers; preservatives including formalin, growth hormone as well as colouring, sweetening, flavour producing, taste enhancing agents. Pesticide residue in vegetables is 20 times higher than the safe limit. Almost 90% food items are adulterated with highly toxic chemicals.

The effect of this slow poisoning on public health is very dreadful. The challenge to provide safe food to people is daunting. Public in general, various ministries like agriculture and commerce, NGOs, organizations engaged in social activities, trade bodies etc., have to be brought on board to be a partner to the movement. To build public awareness and also to rejuvenate the movement, ministry of food should earmark a day as 'Safe Food Day'.

In June, 2012, 14 children died in Dinajpur and Thakurgaon by eating insecticide-sprayed litchis. It may be befitting to declare 14th June 'Safe Food Day'. Honourable food minister, please consider.

Lt Col Quazi Salimuddin (retd)

Convener

Bish Mukto Bangladesh

Technology a boon to the innocent

It has been reported in The Daily Star that the "PM snubs concerns"! She also reportedly said: "we are not sparing anyone." Then why did she question the authenticity of the news report that the Narayanganj lawmaker Shamim Osman "helped Nur Hossain flee the country." And surprisingly, she also questioned the authenticity of the telephonic conversation and even hinted that the matter would be investigated. As far as 1 can recall, the telephonic conversations were broadcast and reported by most of the media channels at home and abroad. Thanks to the modern technology that comes to the innocents' help.

A F Rahman

On e-mail