'Stop using toxic elements in food items'
Staff Correspondent
Unscrupulous quarters are making quick bucks by selling adulterated and even contaminated food items including those for 'iftari' during Ramadan in the roadside outlets, said activists of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA) at a rally yesterday. They demanded immediate intervention of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI), Dhaka City Corporation, and Department of Health to put an end to adulteration and use of toxic elements in food. Safe Food Programme of the BAPA organised the rally in front of the National Museum. "Of the authorities, neither is ensuring public right of safe food," said Maidul Huq of the BAPA. He demanded strict enforcement of laws against the adulterators. "None of the colours used in 'iftari' items is approved by the World Health Organisation. These are mostly used in fabrics and may cause serious health hazards," said Prof Keramat Ali of Dhaka University's Institute of Nutrition. "Let's wake up against adulterated food before it's too late," said Abu Naser Khan of the BAPA.
|
Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon holds a rally at Shahbabh in Dhaka yesterday demanding an end to widespread use of harmful colours and preservatives in food items, including iftar delicacies. PHOTO: STAR |
