Poisoned food

The threat that adulteration -- and other activities like using non-food grade preservatives, dyes and chemicals for ripening fruits -- poses to public health is a grave one. However, surprisingly enough, there has not been any self-propelled and dependable mechanism for detecting such crimes. That can explain why the home ministry had to intervene and organise a mobile court to nab the people involved in artificial mango ripening. The Dhaka City Corporation, the body in charge of monitoring production and sale of foodstuff, is hobbling with only 18 inspectors to oversee a staggering 5,000 food outlets. It is physically impossible for such a small number of men to accomplish the task of keeping things under control.

It once again reminds us of the dangers associated with tokenism when it comes to dealing with a public health concern of such great magnitude. After all, selling stale, adulterated or poisoned foods is a culpable offence that amounts to pushing people towards death. Regrettably, sale of adulterated or poisoned foods has never drawn the attention of the authorities concerned the way this ought to have. It is hard to believe that we have been blissfully ignoring a potent source of diseases.

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We urge the government to enable the DCC with the logistic support it requires to ensure hygienic and safety standards in the ever-growing business of selling foods. We need to equip the BSTI as well.

The problem has to be dealt with fairly and squarely with the full force of authority brought to bear on enforcement of the law. The campaign against adulteration and all such unhygienic practices has to be made part of routine activities of the designated authorities.