Kishoreganj Correspondent

Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) supported by National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh arranged a rally and human chain at Syed Nazrul Islam Square (Param Chattor) in the town on Monday afternoon to protect unhealthy unhygienic and nonfoodgrade dram edible oil selling '

CAB, district president Alam Sarowar Tito presided over the programme. It was addressed among others by Veteran freedom fighter Professor M.A Gani, Mohila Parishad district president, also CAB executive president advocate Maya Bhowmick, Muktojouddha Unit ex.Vommonder A.B Siddique, Former Kishoreganj Press Club President A.K Nasim khan, Shaheen Sultana Etti of Jatiya Mohila Sangstha, Atiya Hossain of Mohila Parishad, Mahamudha Begum Shelly of CAB, Sorfuddin Ahamed Shohel, Papiya Akhter, Headmaster Foujia Jalil Nency and CAB district general secretary Monowar Hossein Rony.

Despite the government's implementation of the Vitamin A Fortification in Edible Oil Act, bulk oil sold in drums remains a major obstacle.
Research conducted by icddr, b in 2017 revealed that 65% of edible oil sold in Bangladesh is marketed in drums, with only 7% meeting the legal fortification standards. The remaining oil is either unfortified or poorly fortified, posing serious health risks.

Experts highlighted the dangers of using such oil, pointing out that it is often distributed in drums made with non-food-grade materials and previously used for storing chemicals or lubricants. This makes it prone to contamination and potentially harmful.

Furthermore, the lack of labelling and traceability associated with bulk oil makes it difficult to enforce regulations and hold suppliers accountable. This ultimately leaves consumers vulnerable to consuming unhealthy oil and developing non-communicable diseases.

CAB president Alam Sarowar Tito said that. The government's executive order to phase out bulk soybean and palm oil by July and December 2022, respectively, needs to be effectively implemented. To ensure access to safe edible oil packaged according to standards, the workshop stressed the need for effective coordination between the Ministry of Industry, BSTI, the Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, and other concerned authorities.

It urged the implementation of key acts such as the Food Safety Act, the BSTI Ordinance, the Consumers' Right Protection Act, and the Packaged Food Labelling Act

Raising public awareness about the dangers of loose, unhealthy oil and promoting the use of safe, fortified alternatives is also essential. Additionally, exploring Vitamin D fortification alongside Vitamin A should be considered to further combat non-communicable diseases, CAB added.