Rafiqul Islam Biplob

Market meat and milk pose health risks, while frozen meat and milk are safer. To raise public awareness about the nutritional value and safety of frozen food, the “Frozen Meat and Milk Awareness Week” is being observed across the country from March 12 to March 18, 2025. With the support of the World Bank, IRG Development Services Limited (IRGDSL) organized a special campaign at the Patiya Upazila Livestock Department and Veterinary Hospital in Chittagong from 2 pm to 5 pm on March 16, 2025. The chief guest at the event was Dr. Mohammad Elias, Patiya Upazila Livestock Officer.

According to experts, frozen meat and pasteurized milk are safe and healthy because they are preserved in a modern process. Proper storage of frozen meat reduces the chance of harmful bacteria growing in it and its nutritional value remains intact. Similarly, pasteurized milk is processed at high temperatures to destroy harmful bacteria, which reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.

According to Dr. S. M. Rajiur Rahman, agronomist and livestock and nutrition expert, properly stored frozen meat retains its protein, iron and other nutrients like fresh meat, and its nutritional value remains intact for a long time due to low fat oxidation. Similarly, pasteurized milk, cold milk and UHT milk are completely pure, healthy and safe.

Eminent agricultural and livestock economist and project team leader Professor Dr. S. M. Fakhrul Islam said that Patiya is one of the major milk producing regions of Bangladesh. Farmers in this area are facing various problems.

IRGSL is working to create awareness through various banners, leaflets, media publicity, social media campaigns and direct dialogue with the local community during this campaign week. “Aware consumers, healthy families – frozen milk-meat is a priority for safe food!”