Intensify Drives against Food Adulteration

Dear Sir,

Food adulteration has become one of the most serious threats to public health in Bangladesh. Harmful chemicals are being mixed into everyday essentials, including rice, lentils, oil, vegetables, children’s milk and even medicines. Excessive use of formalin, carbide and toxic dyes can expose people to serious diseases, including cancer, kidney failure and liver cirrhosis.

To protect public health from this silent threat, anti-adulteration drives must be intensified and conducted throughout the year rather than only during festivals or particular seasons. Surprise inspections, strict legal action and exemplary punishment should replace nominal fines.

Effective coordination among the National Consumer Rights Protection Department, the Safe Food Authority and law enforcement agencies is also essential. Production-level monitoring and regular laboratory testing should be strengthened to prevent adulterated and toxic products from reaching consumers.

Business must be guided by ethics, not profit alone. Alongside stronger enforcement, public awareness and a zero-tolerance policy are essential to building a healthier and safer nation.