Bangladesh Food Safety Foundation organized Marked 2 February 2022 I National Food Safety Day

The Bangladesh Food Safety Foundation (BFSF) organized a webinar on February 2nd, 2022, to commemorate National Food Safety Day. The theme, “Sushasther Moolnity NIrapod Khadya o Sasthobidhi” (translated as “Safe Food and Hygiene: The Cornerstones of Good Health”), emphasized the importance of these aspects for a healthy population. The Bangladesh Supermarket Owners’ Association (BSOA) and Sabuj Samaj Unnayan Sanstha (SUSS) collaborated with BFSF for this event.

The webinar’s central topic was “Role of Non-State Actors in Enhancing Food Safety.” This discussion aligns with BFSF’s ongoing mission to promote safer food. Three distinguished experts participated: Dr. Hamidur Rahman (former Director General, Directorate of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture), Mr. Zakir Hossain (General Secretary, Bangladesh Supermarket Owners’ Association), and Mr. Naser Farid (former Director General, Food Policy Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Food). They explored the present and future roles various non-state actors, such as local NGOs, INGOs, civil societies, foundations, business bodies, multinational companies, academia, and international organizations, can play to strengthen food safety alongside national food control agencies. The event drew a significant number of participants. The discussions identified a wide range of non-state actors crucial for ensuring food safety throughout the entire “farm to table” continuum. All stakeholders have a role to play in guaranteeing and improving food safety practices.

Mr. Zakir Hossain, representing the Bangladesh Supermarket Owners’ Association, acknowledged the importance of each stakeholder’s involvement. He emphasized the need for government support when stakeholders take genuine initiatives. He highlighted that while supermarket promoters invested heavily to establish an organized system, they faced subsequent inspections from at least six food control agencies and a 10% VAT imposition (now reduced to 5%). This, he argued, demonstrates a need for a more rational approach from the government and food control agencies.

Engr. Muhammad Liaquat Ali, Founding Director General of the Bangladesh Accreditation Board, moderated the webinar. The event facilitated valuable connections between food businesses, individual experts, academia, and food control agencies.

Call to Action:

Apart from the government, building a safer food future requires a collective effort from those who are non-state actors. Consumers are at the heart of the food safety but businesses and business bodies need to be supported extensively with an accountability and transparency especially in LDCs and developing countries. Roles of NGOs/INGOs, civil society, multinational companies, academia and international organizations cannot be ignored. Let’s all work together to ensure safe and healthy food for everyone in Bangladesh.