Most consumers in Bangladesh continue to rely on loose edible oil, leaving them exposed to contamination, adulteration and nutrient loss, experts warned on Sunday, urging businesses to introduce affordable small-pack alternatives for low-income households.
The call came at a discussion jointly organised by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and the National Heart Foundation at Segunbagicha in the capital.
The meeting, chaired by CAB President AHM Shafiquzzaman, was addressed by Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of Department at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, CAB Vice-President Nazrul Hossain, and Professor Dr Mohammad Shoaib, a member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA).
The keynote paper was presented by Mushtaq Ahmed Muhammad Iftikhar, founding chairman of the BFSA and adviser to the National Heart Foundation.
Speakers proposed introducing edible oil in 100ml to 500ml pouches, mini-packs and sachets to enable low-income consumers to purchase safe, vitamin A-fortified oil at affordable prices. They argued that smaller packages would be consumed more quickly, reducing the risk of vitamin A degradation and ensuring better nutritional benefits.
The experts acknowledged, however, that such a move would pose challenges, including increased plastic waste, packet leakage and the need for greater consumer awareness. To address these concerns, they recommended improved packaging technologies, recycling initiatives such as return-and-cashback schemes, and nationwide public awareness campaigns.
CAB Vice-President Nazrul Hossain called on the government to strictly enforce the existing ban on the sale of loose edible oil, alleging that weak implementation had undermined consumer protection efforts.
Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury urged consumers to avoid loose oil altogether and to moderate their overall consumption, warning that excessive intake of even healthier oils can contribute to obesity, cardiovascular complications and other non-communicable diseases.
Professor Dr Mohammad Shoaib said ensuring safe and nutritious food remained the BFSA's foremost priority, stressing the importance of continued collaboration with CAB to strengthen consumer rights and food safety standards across the country.
In his concluding remarks, CAB President Shafiquzzaman emphasised that rigorous enforcement of regulations promoting bottled and packaged edible oil was essential to safeguarding public health. He added that the campaign would be expanded nationwide to encourage healthier food choices and ensure safer access to fortified edible oil for low-income communities.
