The issue has recently been raised by "Paribesh Bachao Anodolon", a forum of environmentalists. They organised a human chain in the city on Friday, demanding an end to use of detrimental chemicals in foodstuffs. They have also put forward some suggestions worth taking note of. Obviously, the elements responsible for using toxic substances for ripening fruits and preserving all other types of perishables need to be exposed and brought to justice. Indeed, enactment of a law that would protect the consumer rights has been long overdue; yet, the foot-dragging continues while the infringements on consumer rights multiply.

To tell the truth, the rights of consumers are considered dispensable by those who should be protecting them. Only that explains how people get away with crimes like adulteration and use of non-food grade chemicals which are as culpable as poisoning people to death.

The Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has not yet succeeded in preventing the activities that are a threat to public health, including the use of toxic chemicals in foods. The problem here is that, although it is possible to get any message through to the wholesale dealers, who work under some kind of an organisational structure, the retailers' business is largely unstructured and chaotic. So it is the DCC inspectors' duty to keep the retailers under close monitoring. We realise that the corporation is short-handed, and that's where they need government's financial assistance to tide over staffing crisis there. Let's not forget, we are addressing an issue of grave public concern and it has to be handled with efficiency unless we want to expose people to the unscrupulous activities of food traders and sellers.

The human chain was a worthwhile attempt at giving vent to the worries of environmentalists over use of toxic substances in food. We share their concern and urge the government to take the necessary steps to set things right in this area.