Experts call for promoting freezing system to keep meat, milk bacteria-free

Experts have called upon those concerned to extend and promote the freezing system for milk and meat to keep them free from bacteria.

SM Fakhrul Islam, an expert on agriculture and nutrition and former professor at Gazipur Agricultural University, made the call during the inauguration of a campaign launched by IRG Development Services Limited (IRGDSL) with help from the World Bank at the capital's Krishi Market in Mohammadpur today (12 March).

Fakhrul, the team leader for the campaign, said, "Bacteria can be created easily if meat and milk sold in the open market remains uncovered for a long period, which can be hazardous for health."

"The frozen milk and meat are preserved using improved technology, which keeps the food pollution-free and safe," Fakhrul added.

Dhaka District Livestock Officer Basna Akhter said, "We have to come out of the mindset that frozen food is bad."

"Frozen food is much safer than the meat we buy from the market. If meat is kept in an open place for a long time, it can be contaminated with germs," she added.

Livestock and nutrition expert agriculturist SM Rajiur Rahman said pasteurised milk, cold milk and ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk are pure, healthy and safe as this type of milk is sterilised using high-quality technology.

IRG DSL Chairman Sukharanjan Sutar said, "There is no alternative to raising public awareness to develop safe eating habits. If public awareness is increased, we can reduce the health risks of the coming generation."

The campaign, which started today, will continue until 18 March with the slogan "Aware consumers, healthy families - priority for frozen milk and meat in safe food".

IRG Development Services Limited (IRG DSL), an independent and multidisciplinary consulting firm in Dhaka, is organising this campaign at various places in the capital with support from the World Bank.