Muksudpur (Gopalganj) Correspondent 

With the slogan “Ensure Safe Food, Keep People Healthy,” a public awareness seminar was held in Muksudpur upazila of Gopalganj on Tuesday  to mark National Safe Food Day.

The event was organized by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), Gopalganj District, and took place at 11:00 am under the chairmanship of Muksudpur UNO Tasnim Akhter.

Speakers at the seminar included Gopalganj District Food Safety Officer Munni Khatun, Assistant Director (Additional Charge) of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Shamim Hasan, Upazila Sanitary Inspector Aflatun Akhter Asma, President of Muksudpur Press Club Md Siru Mia, General Secretary Kazi Md Ohidul Islam, Organizing Secretary Hafizur Rahman, Office Secretary Delowar Hossain, and BNP Office Secretary of the upazila Kaiyum Sharif.

Restaurant, hotel, bakery, and sweet shop owners from the Muksudpur Sadar Bazar area also participated in the event.

In her address, UNO Tasnim Akhter emphasized that the use of harmful substances such as hydrogen peroxide and carbide in food items like jilapi (fritters), sweets, and bakery goods is strictly prohibited. “Vendors must refrain from using unauthorized food colors and ingredients. Legal actions will be taken against violators,” she warned.

She also discussed misconceptions surrounding formalin use in fruits and vegetables and urged all stakeholders to follow food safety laws and act responsibly in their businesses.

District Food Safety Officer Munni Khatun cautioned that food produced in unsanitary conditions or using unsafe water, unauthorized chemicals, synthetic colors, or burnt oil poses severe health risks and constitutes a punishable offense. “Producers must stay vigilant and maintain proper hygiene and safety standards in food preparation,” she added.