The Bangladesh Safe Food Authority has funded Tk1.03 crore for a total of 10 research works on food safety.
The areas of research include fish feed management, food colour, milk supply management, drugs used in cattle fattening, and determining food quality.
Teachers from various universities will undertake the research activities, said the food safety regulator at a seminar on Wednesday (18 September), with Chairman Zakaria present as the chief guest.
At the seminar, Chairman Zakaria underscored the need for enhancing research activities, mentioning that a significant 70% of the deaths occurring in the country are attributed to non-communicable diseases, with diarrhoea being the fourth leading cause of mortality.
He proposed that the length of the research period be increased from the existing one-year timeframe.
Researcher Dr Md Ahsan Habib said the level of use of micro and nano plastic has reached such a level that it is being spread in rivers and oceans.
Research on foods that are harmful to human health should be given importance, he added.
Dr Sharmin Rumi Amin said the use of antibiotics in pangasius and tilapia, which are commonly consumed by economically disadvantaged groups, has reached concerning levels. This excessive use can lead to a reduction in the body’s immune response. Consequently, while treating one ailment, the emergence of other health issues may occur.
Dr Md Abdul Masum said steroid medications are illegally used in animal flattening, particularly in border regions. These medications are smuggled from India, contributing to their availability within the country.
He said in the research, animal blood and urine will be tested to highlight the use of steroids.
Dr Sohodeb Chandra Saha pointed out that the use of colors in street foods makes these foods hazardous to health.
Annually, an estimated 600 million people worldwide suffer from illnesses caused by unsafe food consumption. Among these cases, approximately 40 million people lose their lives, said the researchers at the seminar.
