Containing food adulteration

Recently, heavy metals have been found in crops grown in Jamalpur. Researchers have confirmed this by testing the eggplants produced there. In addition, a significant amount of harmful substances has been found in other crops. Experts believe that this is mainly due to soil pollution and excessive use of pesticides on crop land. The presence of heavy metal like lead can cause severe damage to children. Harmful colours, artificial flavours, chemicals, hydrogen, saccharin, etc. are being mixed in children's food products in Bangladesh. Various types of drinks and adulterated foods including jelly are being prepared every day for our children. According to health researchers, our children are facing serious health risks by consuming these tasty commercial food products. If these products are consumed by children, there is a risk of kidney and liver damage. According to the WHO, very small amounts of cadmium are naturally present in Nature. But recently, it has increased due to pollution. Laws say that the punishment for producing, marketing and selling chemically-adulterated food is imprisonment from a minimum of six months to a maximum of five years and a fine of Tk 100,000 to Tk 1.0 million. Despite the fact, food products are often found adulterated.

Chicken has now become an everyday food item for us. However, one study has found heavy metals such as arsenic, chromium, mercury, nickel and lead in processed chicken meat. It can increase the risk of cancer in human body by up to one-fourth. It can also cause other complications. Farmers often use harmful substances and various growth-promoting drugs in chicken feed in the hope of high profits, which has a serious adverse effect on human body. Evidence of the existence of harmful bacteria and heavy metals has recently been found in fish produced too. A group of researchers from Sylhet Agricultural University has been able to prove this point. They conducted bacterial and chemical tests on the carp fish of Hakaluki haor and found the presence of harmful bacteria like e.coli, salmonella and and excessive presence of heavy metal like lead. These findings are shocking for us. The authorities concerned should address this issue immediately and do the needful so that we can get rid of this life-threatening menace.

Ashikujaman Syed,

Foreign Service Officer,

Anhui Haikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd,

Anqing, China,

syedashikujaman@yahoo.com