BFSA holds awareness campaign during Ramadan

The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) has been operating awareness campaigns across the country aiming to ensure safe iftar during the month of holy Ramadan.

The awareness programmes are being held at all divisional cities and different populated and important areas of the district, upazila level, according to a press release.

Besides, BFSA monitoring booths have been installed in Chawkbazar, Baily Road, Khilgaon, Mohammadpur and Agargaon areas in the capital. Popular theatre and film actor, Dr Ezazul Islam has been participating in the campaign led by BFSA Member (Food Industry and Production) Prof Dr Md Abdul Alim.

As part of the campaign, BFSA is providing hygiene products, leaflets, and caps as well as various guidelines on safe food among iftar makers and vendors in the footpaths of Dhaka.

On the occasion, Dr Ejazul Islam said that the old image of selling iftar items has changed a lot in recent years which is positive and admirable. Currently, shopkeepers are covering everything, trying to maintain hygiene while the buyers are buying the necessary food items by making general checks, he said.

“I request all, to buy products after scrutinising properly to ensure safe food for their families. Traders will be forced to supply and sell safe food items if individuals remain aware. People can read the book “Family Guide to Food Safety” published by the BFSA for more details and they can also get detailed information about food from the mobile app “Khaddo Kothon”, Dr Ejazul explained.

Professor Dr Md Abdul Alim said, BFSA is operating various activities throughout the year to train and sensitize food producers, suppliers, sellers and buyers.

“But during the month of Ramadan, the use of harmful burnt edible oil increases and that converts into biodiesel which is harmful to human health. Achieving success in food safety will be easier if people become aware of the matter and actively participate in the campaign”, he said.

BFSA Additional Director Amitav Mondal, Public Relations Officer Abul Hasnat, Assistant Director Dipu Poddar, Research Officer SM Shipon, Monitoring Officer Mohammad Imran Hossain Molla, were among the team members of the programme.

Bangladesh Safe Food Authority which was established under the Food Ministry in 2015 following the ‘Safe Food Act 2013’operates various activities to ensure safe food for consumers around the year.

Their activities include mobile courts, monitoring drives, talk shows, round table meetings, road shows, lab-caravan road shows, grading, training, seminars and workshops with the participation of all concerned organisations.