The Institute of Nutrition and Food Science (INFS) of Dhaka University (DU) in its reports, has claimed to have found the highest level of pesticides in producing fruits and vegetable items among food grains.

Prof Ruhul Amin of the INFS, revealed the report during a programme held at the institute in Dhaka on Monday, claiming that farmers often ignore the common rules when using pesticides in growing fruits and vegetables.       

“As a result, traces of pesticides are frequently detected in these food products, raising concerns over the food safety,” he said

 It is difficult to determine the safety levels of domestically produced food, he said emphasising that all food items should be ideally safe for consumption.

The people live in villages consume 23.8 percent fruit, urban people 38 percent while it is 40.2 percent Barishal division, 17.3 percent in Chattogram, 26.5 percent in Dhaka, 26.2 percent in Khulna, 35.8 to 48-9 percent in Mymensingh, 60.1 percent in Rangpur and 45.7 percent in Sylhet division, he said.  

Meanwhile, in terms of consuming beef and poultry, 15.7 percent of rural people and 33.1 percent of urban people consume them.

Besides, 10.1 percent of rural people and 18.9 percent of urban people consume eggs.

Additionally, the country's production of eggs, milk, and meat has increased. However, the consumption rate among the wealthy is 7 percent, while it is only 2 percent among the poor, he said.

“It is unclear how safe the food items produced in the country. However, we hope that all types of food will be safe,” he said.

UNB adds: The seminar, which discussed the overall activities of the BFSA, was attended by its Chairman Zakaria as the chief guest, with Amin presenting the main paper.

BFSA members Mahmudul Kabir Murad and Mohammad Wahiduzzaman were also present.

In his presentation, Amin discussed food safety in relation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which addresses food security and safe food consumption.

Regarding food safety management, Amin stressed that in order to export food, it must meet safety standards. Without this, foreign buyers are unlikely to purchase Bangladeshi products.

He explained that food safety is ensured through three levels: public food safety, third-party inspection and national-level measures.

When asked about the level of food safety in the country, Amin said that it is difficult to determine the exact safety of any food product, especially in fruits and vegetables, where pesticide use is notably high.

In addressing pesticide concerns, Zakaria advised that vegetables should be soaked for 15 minutes to reduce pesticide residue.

He cautioned people to avoid highly unsafe or harmful foods, such as organ meats, and be mindful of portion sizes when consuming them.

The BFSA is currently operating with a workforce of 248 personnel, and efforts are underway to increase this number. In addition, three new labs will be set up in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna with foreign funding to further test food safety.

Zakaria also highlighted the difficulty of conducting product testing in open markets since the BFSA does not control production. However, they monitor restaurants to ensure they do not serve adulterated food, and when violations are found, the authorities take strict action.

He mentioned that the BFSA recently discovered chalk powder in spices in Kushtia and harmful substances in a soft drink several months ago.

Despite the BFSA's efforts to take action, the companies involved resorted to legal channels to resolve the issue, showcasing the limitations of the authority, he added.