Dhaka: Food Minister Afroza Khanam today underscored the need for raising public awareness and increasing food testing capacity to ensure food safety. "Ensuring food safety is not the sole responsibility of the government; all stakeholders must work together in a coordinated manner," she told a views-exchange meeting with Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) officers and employees at its head office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khanam emphasized that public health and the well-being of future generations largely depend on the types of food they consume. She highlighted that ensuring food safety is a prerequisite to building a healthy and prosperous Bangladesh.
The minister stressed the importance of providing accurate information about various packaged foods and beverages to the public and strengthening regular monitoring to ensure food quality and safety. She noted that the eight food testing mobile laboratories currently operating at the divisional level are not sufficient and suggested that mobile laboratories should gradually be established in all 64 districts. This expansion would facilitate quick preliminary tests of food products on-site, making food safety assurance activities more effective.
Khanam further stated that food testing must be made faster and more reliable by increasing testing capacity and introducing modern technology. Food Secretary Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana also spoke at the meeting, with BFSA Chairman Md Safiqul Islam presiding. BFSA Secretary Srabasti Roy delivered the welcome address. Earlier, the food minister inspected the BFSA's mini laboratory (mobile van) and laboratory.