The rampant sale of loose edible oil marketed in drums not only poses a threat to public health but also works as an impediment to the proper implementation of the 2013 Vitamin Fortification in Edible Oil Act.

PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) expressed their concern vote the matter on the occasion of National Food Safety Day through a press release on Friday.

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With the theme “Shastho, Pushti o Shomriddhi Chai, Nirapod Khadder Bikolpo Nai” (Health, Nutrition, and Prosperity: Safe Food Remains the Only Key), National Food Safety Day 2024 is being observed on Friday throughout the country.

According to the National Micronutrient Survey 2011–12, 20.5 percent of children aged six to 59 months and 5.4 percent of women aged 15–49 years old (excluding pregnant or lactating) are suffering from vitamin A deficiency, it said.

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In recent times, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including heart and kidney diseases, has been increasing alarmingly. If this situation persists, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 3.4) of reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases to one-third by 2030 will not be possible, said the release.

“Public health is always on top. Everyone, including policymakers, producers, suppliers, and mass people, should be well aware of the health hazards of bulk edible oil in drums," said ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA.

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He also said edible oil from drums is vulnerable to adulteration, and the reuse of nonfood-grade drum containers can eventually contaminate the edible oil.

On the other hand, loose edible oil marketed in drums often contains a less-than-adequate level of vitamin A or even no vitamin A at all.

The role safe edible oil plays in combating nutritional deficiency and improving public health is undeniable, he added.