Dhaka:Mini laboratories have been installed at the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) offices in 18 districts to enhance institutional and technical capacities for developing a safe food system in Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the food safety mini laboratories have been installed with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA will also provide technical assistance for operating laboratory activities in sixty-four districts and eight BFSA city offices.
The information was revealed at the final evaluation and experience-sharing event of the JICA-funded 'Strengthening the Inspection, Regulatory and Coordination Activities of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority' (STIRC) project, held at the BFSA's training room. BFSA's chairman M Shafiqul Islam attended the function as the chief guest, emphasizing the project's achievements in building a strong, science-based, and integrated food safety system in Bangladesh.
The STIRC project, implemented with JICA's technical assistance, has been pivotal in strengthening the institutional capacity of the BFSA, improving skills, and raising public awareness. The project has contributed to ensuring food safety through the collective participation of relevant government agencies, the food industry, and the general public.
Senior Representative of JICA Bangladesh Shoji Izumi highlighted the importance of food safety, linking it to public health protection, public trust, and economic development. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation between JICA and BFSA in enhancing Bangladesh's food safety system.
Since 2019, the STIRC project has worked to improve administrative activities, strengthen food inspection and sample collection, upgrade laboratory operations, and enhance officials' skills. It has also reviewed regulatory systems to identify limitations in the Food Safety Act and implementation processes.
Training has been provided to food safety officers, sample collectors, and laboratory personnel to make food inspection activities more effective. The project has raised public awareness about food safety through training programs for students and employees in the food industry and developed training materials and campaigns using digital marketing strategies.
BFSA's secretary and project director of the STIRC project, Srabosti Roy, chaired the seminar attended by representatives from the food ministry, BFSA officials, food traders, development partners, and NGOs.