Unsafe foods

23 October 2007, 18:00 PM

Dr. Mahboob Hossain, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, The University of Asia Pacific,

Photo: Focus Bangla

Thanks to Zarina Rahman of Dhaka for drawing attention of everybody concerned to the consequences of using toxic chemicals in fruits through her letter of October 19, 2007. Toxic chemicals are not only being used in local fruits but also in other foods. Once, I met Magistrate Rokonuddollhah and he informed us that dyes made for textile industries are being used to prepare foods. Moreover, there is no report and restriction on the use of artificial sweeteners to make food items sweet. It deserves mention that the toxicity of artificial sweeteners to humans may include carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neuro-toxicity, and acute toxicity. I would therefore request my respected teacher who is now our Health Adviser to kindly look into this matter and take necessary steps to formulate a food policy which will ensure safe food for all.