Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized the need for ensuring safe food for all people, highlighting the importance of eliminating discrimination in food safety standards across different social classes. "Unsafe food for the poor and safe food for the middle class - such discrimination must be eliminated. This cannot be allowed. Safe food must be ensured for all people," she stated while inaugurating the 7th International Scientific Conference on Food Safety and Health at the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC) auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida Akhter pointed out the significant role fisheries and livestock play in food production and its direct impact on public health. She noted that while conscious consumers are willing to pay more for chemical-free and antibiotic-free fish and meat, the general population often remains unaware of food safety issues.
The event was presided over by Bangladesh Society for Safe Food President Professor Dr Khaled Hossain. Special guests included Sylhet Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Alimul Islam, Director General of the Department of Livestock Dr Md Abu Sufian, and Bangladesh Food Safety Authority member Professor Dr Mohammad Shoaib.
As the guest of honor, Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) President Shamsul Arefin Khaled addressed the conference, while CIRDAP Director General Dr P Chandra Shekhara presented the keynote paper. The conference was attended by teachers, scientists, researchers, students, and senior government and private officials from various universities.