Zaima Ahasan :
The food industry is a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy and a critical component of its social fabric. As one of the world’s most densely populated countries, Bangladesh faces unique challenges in ensuring food safety, security, and quality. Despite significant progress in agricultural productivity over the past few decades, the nation grapples with mass issues that threaten the integrity of its food supply. These include regulatory gaps, inadequate infrastructure, and the vulnerabilities posed by climate change.
Moreover, a substantial portion of the population relies on smallholder farmers who often lack access to resources, technology, and markets. This dependence underscores the urgent need to address systemic inefficiencies and promote sustainable practices throughout the food supply chain. Understanding the complexities of these challenges is vital not only for enhancing food safety and nutrition but also for fostering economic growth and improving public health.
1. Legal Framework for Food Safety
Food Safety Act, 2013:
· This act was established to consolidate and update food safety regulations. It sets out the responsibilities of food business operators, outlining the need for proper labelling, hygiene, and safety standards.
· It empowers regulatory bodies to conduct inspections and enforce compliance, but practical implementation often falls short.
Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI):
BSTI establishes quality standards for various food products. However, many small producers are unaware of these standards or lack the means to comply, which affects market access.
Through the BSTI Act of 2018, BSTI’s legislative framework guarantees food safety in Bangladesh. Important elements consist of-
1. Standards Development: Formulates and enforces Bangladesh Standards (BDS) aligned with international norms like Codex Alimentarius and ISO.
2. Product Certification: Mandates certification marks for food products and conducts quality control testing.
3. Food Safety Monitoring: Performs inspections, market surveillance, and laboratory testing to ensure compliance.
4. Penalties: Enforces fines, imprisonment, license revocation, and product recalls for non-compliance.
5. Coordination: Collaborates with BFSA (Bangladesh Food Safety Authority), Customs, and local authorities for enforcement and public health protection.
6. Awareness & Training: Educates producers, consumers, and inspectors on food safety standards and practices.
7. International Standards: Aligns Bangladeshi food safety with global benchmarks to facilitate trade.
ISO
The purpose of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) is to guarantee the quality and safety of food items produced in the nation. In order to accomplish this, BFSA works with a number of labs and organizations that follow global standards, especially those established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
BFSA’s Initiatives and ISO Standards:
The general requirements for the proficiency of testing and certification laboratories are outlined in ISO/IEC 17025 Standardization. The license was attained by a number of BFSA-affiliated laboratories, indicating their dedication to upholding strict testing and certification guidelines. For example:
· Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka: Accredited with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by the Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB); Certificate No. 01.018.15 since 2015. (Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (ACL), n.d.)
· The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) is accredited by ISO/IEC 17025 and has a BAB-issued certificate number, 01.046.17. (Chemical Testing Lab, n.d.)
· Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS): ISO 22000:2018 All companies in the food chain must adhere to this standard, which describes the specifications for a food safety management system. To improve food safety procedures, BFSA urges Bangladeshi companies involved in the food industry to implement ISO 22000. Organizations can better fulfil consumer and regulatory expectations and show their dedication to food safety by obtaining ISO 22000:2018 certification. (Veritas, n.d.)
The Function of BFSA in Harmonizing Standards:
The BFSA actively works to align national food safety regulations with global standards, including as those established by the Codex Alimentarius and ISO. The goal of this harmonization is to guarantee that Bangladesh’s food safety laws are current, supported by science, and in line with international best practices. By doing this, BFSA builds trust in the nation’s food products, encourages trade, and guarantees consumer safety. (Ministry of food)
HACCP
In Bangladesh, the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is integral to the nation’s food safety framework. HACCP is a systematic approach designed to identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards, ensuring the production of safe food products.
Bangladesh’s Implementation of HACCP:
· Regulatory Framework: HACCP principles and other food safety regulations are enforced by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA). In order to improve food safety throughout the supply chain, the BFSA stresses the implementation of HACCP.
· Industry Adoption: In order to meet both domestic and international food safety regulations, a large number of food enterprises in Bangladesh have incorporated HACCP into their operations. This integration makes it easier to access international markets while also guaranteeing compliance.
· Training and Certification: To teach experts in the food business how to properly implement HACCP systems, organizations like Bdjobs eLearning, other websites provide HACCP training courses. These courses aim to improve knowledge of the risks to food safety and the appropriate preventative actions.
Benefits of HACCP Implementation:
1. Improved Food Safety: HACCP guarantees the production of safe food items, safeguarding the health of consumers by methodically detecting and regulating possible dangers.
(B-ADVANCY)
2. Regulatory Compliance: By following HACCP guidelines, companies can lower their risk of legal problems by adhering to international and national food safety requirements.
(CERTEASE)
3. Market Access: Since HACCP certification shows a dedication to food safety and quality, it is frequently a requirement for accessing foreign markets. (GCL INTERNATIONAL)
2. Regulatory Challenges
· Weak Enforcement: While there are laws in place, the enforcement is inconsistent due to a lack of trained inspectors and inadequate funding for regulatory bodies.
· Corruption: Instances of bribery can undermine the regulatory framework, leading to poor compliance and safety breaches.
· Bureaucratic Complexity: The process of obtaining licenses and permits can be cumbersome, deterring new businesses, especially SMEs, from entering the market.
3. Supply Chain Inefficiencies
· Infrastructure Limitations: Poor roads, lack of cold storage facilities, and inadequate transportation systems hinder the efficient movement of food products. This leads to high post-harvest losses, especially for perishables.
· Fragmented Supply Chains: The food supply chain is often fragmented, with multiple intermediaries. This not only increases costs but also complicates quality control.
· Information Gaps: Farmers may lack access to market information, making it difficult for them to sell at optimal prices. Digital platforms could help bridge this gap but are not widely used.
4. Support for Smallholder Farmers
· Access to Resources: Many smallholder farmers do not have access to credit, quality seeds, and modern farming techniques. This limits their productivity and ability to meet safety standards.
· Agricultural Extension Services: Government and NGO-led extension services are essential for educating farmers about best practices, pest management, and sustainability. However, these services often lack sufficient funding and reach. I would suggest many agricultural start-up entrepreneurs are coming up with new projects and they should reach out for these farmers and make programmes where they get to teach these farmers for the betterment of our system.
· Cooperatives and Group Marketing: Encouraging farmers to form cooperatives can help them pool resources, gain better access to markets, and negotiate fairer prices.
5. Climate Change Impact
· Vulnerability: Bangladesh’s geography makes it prone to climate-related disasters, such as flooding and cyclones. These events can devastate crops and disrupt food supply chains.
· Adaptation Strategies: There is a need for investment in climate-resilient agricultural practices and technologies, such as drought-resistant crop varieties, planting more mangrove plantation. Research institutions should collaborate with farmers to implement these strategies.
6. Consumer Awareness and Education
· Nutrition Education: Many consumers lack basic knowledge about nutrition, leading to poor dietary choices. Education campaigns can help improve awareness of healthy eating habits. As well, schools, colleges and universities can come up with such modules where people can learn from an early age. For example, Food related modules are very limited in our country’s education curriculum. There are people like me interested in other fields except business, engineering, doctor, architecture etc. We have to travel outside this country and get creative course’s higher education. If Bangladeshi universities can bring more creative modules partnering with foreign universities, especially Malaysia because it has one of best universities for culinary and food education. As well it’s a Muslim country who produces best chefs and works all over the world in 5 star hotels, resorts or Michelin star restaurants. They earn foreign currency for Malaysia like how our manpower send remittance for our country. If something like this can actually come to reality then it would make a lot lives easier and those students will become our assets.
· Food Safety Awareness: Initiatives to inform the public about food safety practices can empower consumers to make informed choices and demand higher standards from producers. Government and ministry should run awareness programs through TV, Print Media, Digital Platform to increase and educate Consumers regarding Food safety and nutrition, importance of Health benefits. The Daily Ittefaq also has ran series on Food safety campaign by publishing ” amra ki khachchi” and added scenario of Bangladeshi university campus Food restaurants or canteen Food quality, safety and food hygiene matters. They have covered few aspects.
7. Public Health Concerns
· Malnutrition Rates: Despite economic growth, Bangladesh faces high levels of malnutrition, particularly among children. Addressing food quality and accessibility is crucial for improving public health outcomes.
Malnutrition, which includes both overnutrition (fat, Non Communal Diseases) and undernutrition (stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies), is still a serious problem. In Bangladesh:
About 30-35 per cent of children stunt and 8-10 per cent waste. (Unicef, p. february 2020)
High prevalence of vitamin A, iodine, and anemia are examples of micronutrient deficiencies. (Global Nutrition Report, p. 2022)
Urban overnutrition is on the rise and is associated with chronic illnesses. (Research artice, 2019)
Food insecurity, unhealthy eating habits, illnesses, and changes in lifestyle are the causes.
Effects include reduced growth, long-term illnesses, and financial strain.
Solutions include better healthcare, food security regulations, nutrition initiatives, and health education.
· Health Infrastructure: A stronger healthcare system is needed to address the health consequences of poor nutrition and foodborne illnesses. This includes better training for healthcare workers to identify and manage these issues and more rigorous regular Food Quality Inspection and Audit must be done to restaurants or cafes and if found guilty then good monetary punishment ensured and improvement is needed.
8. Economic Context
· Poverty Levels: A significant portion of the population lives in poverty, limiting their access to nutritious food. Economic policies should focus on increasing incomes and providing social safety nets.
· Export Potential: Bangladesh has the potential to expand its food exports, particularly in sectors like seafood and agriculture. Strengthening quality standards can help tap into international markets.
Addressing the challenges within Bangladesh’s food industry requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening the legal framework, improving enforcement, investing in infrastructure, supporting farmers, and enhancing consumer education are critical steps. Collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society is essential for creating a more robust and resilient food system that ensures safety and security for all.
(The author is Bachelor of Patisserie Arts, Taylors University, Malaysia, dual degree with University of Toulouse, France).
