Food or poison in disguise?

Imagine a child standing in front of a sweet shop, eyes glued to colourful chocolates. What seems like harmless joy may hide serious danger. Those bright colours often contain harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, our markets are full of such deceptive appearances. Shiny fruits, fresh-looking fish, and long-lasting meat are frequently treated with formalin, carbide, and artificial colours. What looks appealing to the eye enters the body as poison, affecting children physically and mentally and posing long-term health risks for adults. In Bangladesh, food adulteration has become a silent national health crisis. Consumers unknowingly ingest toxic foods daily, leading to chronic diseases such as cancer, liver and kidney problems, and heart conditions.
Sellers use harmful chemicals to maximise profits, while weak monitoring and regulation leaves offenders unpunished. Lack of education and awareness further worsens the problem, creating a cycle of risk that endangers everyone.
To combat this, strict enforcement of food safety laws is essential. The government must conduct regular inspections, penalise violators, and educate businesses on ethical practices. Consumers should prioritise certified, authentic products and rely on labels and reviews rather than appearances alone. Media campaigns, school programmes, and public awareness initiatives can promote food safety and ethical consumption. Growing demand for safe, organic food also encourages responsible business behaviour.
Preventing food adulteration is both a moral and social responsibility. Safe food protects health, ensures proper child development, and secures a healthier future for the nation. By combining vigilant consumers, strict law enforcement, and widespread education, we can reduce adulteration and safeguard public health.

Sania Tasnim Lamia
Student
Jagannath University