Dhaka: The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), has mandated the integration of a digital data entry system, the Digital Fortification Quality Traceability Plus (DFQT+), for all edible oil refineries across the nation. This initiative was announced during the ‘DFQT+ System User Engagement Workshop’ held in the capital.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the initiative is part of a project titled ‘Digitisation of Fortification of Edible Oil for Improved Monitoring, Quality Control and Capacity Building’. It aims to enhance vitamin A fortification, ensure quality control, and improve supply-chain traceability for edible oil distributed throughout Bangladesh. The workshop was graced by BSTI Director General Kazi Emdadul Hoque, who served as the chief guest.
Sultan Alam, Joint Secretary (Planning) at the Ministry of Industries and the Project Director of the digitisation project, along with Md Zakir Hossain, Joint Secretary (Administration) and Deputy Project Director, attended as special guests. Under the updated BSTI licensing conditions, particularly Clauses 1 and 7, all edible oil refineries must now provide real-time data concerning fortification and quality monitoring through the DFQT+ platform.
Representatives from 16 edible oil refineries were in attendance, engaging with BSTI and Ministry of Industries officials on the practical implementation of the system, operational guidelines, and workflow processes. These refineries have pledged to adhere to quality standards, ensure the distribution of safe and vitamin A-fortified edible oil, and submit the necessary data via the designated digital platform.
Officials highlighted that large-scale fortification of edible oil has significantly contributed to combating micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh since the enactment of relevant legislation in 2013. They emphasized that the DFQT+ platform would enhance transparency, data accuracy, and verifiability in the fortification and quality-monitoring process.
The workshop also featured technical sessions led by experts from BSTI and GAIN, offering practical guidance on system operation and reporting procedures. During an open forum, several refinery representatives noted that they had been consistently submitting data through the DFQT+ system, describing the process as straightforward and effective.
The event successfully brought together government and industry stakeholders to support the effective implementation of the new digital monitoring and reporting requirements, marking a significant step forward in ensuring the quality and nutritional value of edible oils in Bangladesh.