Trans fat and PFAS testing among 10 researches secure Food Safety Authority grants
Bangladesh turns out to be a ‘suicidal nation’ by adulterating food, Additional Secretary Alim says
The Bangladesh Food Security Authority (BFSA) has finalised 10 researches for funding for the current fiscal year, including testing of harmful levels of substances such as toxic metals, trans fats, polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and cooking oils.
Meanwhile, a total of Tk1.9 crore 40 lakh has been provided in grants for the research projects.
The food safety regulatory body made the disclosure at a seminar on research projects undertaken in the fiscal year 2024-25, and cheque distribution, today (29 June).
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Organsiers say the BFSA started providing grants for food research activities from the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Accordingly, seven research projects have been accepted in FY23, 10 in FY24, and 10 in FY25.
In FY25, a total of 110 proposals were received, of which 10 were finalised after three phases of the selection process.
At the seminar, the food ministry's Additional Secretary Shah Abdul Alim said that in terms of food adulteration, Bangladesh stands out as a leading nation worldwide. "This problem is not a natural occurrence, but our creation."
"We are turning into a 'suicidal nation' by adulterating food," he added.
As the chief guest, Food Secretary Md Masudul Hasan said research should identify the problems related to food and also provide solutions.
"The researches are being conducted with public funds, so the focus should be on research that benefits the public," he stressed.
The event was presided over by BFSA Chairman, Additional Secretary Zakaria.
Member of the agency for public health and nutrition, Dr Mohammad Mostafa, delivered the welcoming remarks.
BFSA Member Professor Dr Mohammad Shoaib, Dhaka University Microbiology Professor and Chairman Dr Shakila Nargis Khan, among others, spoke.
