United News of Bangladesh

Dr Ruhul Amin, a professor at the Institute of Food and Nutrition at Dhaka University, has said that the highest levels of pesticide use in Bangladesh are found in fruits and vegetables. Dr Amin came up with the findings at a “Meet-the-Press” event held at the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) office in Shahbagh, Dhaka, on Monday. He pointed out that local farmers often ignore safety guidelines when applying these chemicals, raising serious concerns about food safety. “As a result, traces of pesticides are frequently detected in these food products, raising concerns about food safety,” he said, stressing, “It is difficult to determine the safety levels of domestically produced food, and emphasized that all food should ideally be safe for consumption.” The seminar, which discussed the overall activities of the BFSA, was attended by its Chairman Zakaria as the chief guest, with Dr. Amin presenting the main paper. BFSA members Mahmudul Kabir Murad and Mohammad Wahiduzzaman were also present. Chinese envoy meets CJ, offers support to strengthen judiciary In his presentation, Dr Amin discussed food safety in relation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which addresses food security and safe food consumption. He pointed out the percentage of fruit consumption among rural and urban populations, revealing that 23.8% of rural people and 38% of urban dwellers consume fruit. Regionally, fruit consumption varies, with Barishal at 40.2%, Chattogram at 17.3%, Dhaka at 26.5%, Khulna at 26.2%, Mymensingh at 35.8%, Rangpur at 60.1%, and Sylhet at 45.7%. In terms of meat consumption, rural populations consume 15.7% of beef and 33.1% of poultry, while egg consumption is 10.1% in rural areas and 18.9% in urban ones. Although the production of eggs, milk, and meat has increased in the country, Dr. Amin noted that the wealthy are able to consume these foods at a much higher rate than the poor, with the latter's intake standing at just 2% compared to 7% for the wealthy. Regarding food safety management, Dr Amin stressed that in order to export food, it must meet safety standards. Without this, foreign buyers are unlikely to purchase Bangladeshi products. He explained that food safety is ensured through three levels: public food safety, third-party inspection, and national-level measures. When asked about the level of food safety in the country, Dr Amin said that it is difficult to determine the exact safety of any food product, especially in fruits and vegetables, where pesticide use is notably high. In addressing pesticide concerns, Zakaria advised that vegetables should be soaked for 15 minutes to reduce pesticide residue. Govt issues directives for Tabligh Jamaat activities to maintain peace He cautioned people to avoid highly unsafe or harmful foods, such as organ meats, and be mindful of portion sizes when consuming them. The BFSA is currently operating with a workforce of 248 personnel, and efforts are underway to increase this number. In addition, three new labs will be set up in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna with foreign funding to further test food safety. Zakaria also highlighted the difficulty of conducting product testing in open markets since the BFSA does not control production. However, they monitor restaurants to ensure they do not serve adulterated food, and when violations are found, the authorities take strict action. He mentioned that the BFSA recently discovered chalk powder in spices in Kushtia and harmful substances in a soft drink several months ago. Despite the BFSA's efforts to take action, the companies involved resorted to legal channels to resolve the issue, showcasing the limitations of the authority, he added.

Dealing with cockroaches and bugs can be a pain, especially when they invade your kitchen and home. While conventional insecticides are commonly used to destroy these pests, they often contain harmful, toxic chemicals that can pose risks to human health and the environment. Fortunately, there are several natural methods you can apply to get rid of cockroaches and bugs without using harsh insecticides. This article will explore some effective techniques that can help you keep your kitchen and home cockroach- and bugs-free. How pesticide can be harmful to health Exposure to toxic insecticides used for killing cockroaches can pose significant threats to human health. Some chemicals designed to kill pests can also have adverse effects on humans. When insecticides are applied at home or other indoor spaces, they can contaminate the air we breathe -- leading to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and irritation of the throat and lungs.  Prolonged exposure or excessive use of these chemicals has been linked to more severe health issues, including allergic reactions, skin rashes, headaches, nausea, and even neurological disorders. Additionally, children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of insecticides due to their size and developing immune system. Read more: 9- and 15-year-old brothers in Dhaka’s Bashundhara dead after ‘pesticide poisoning’ 10 completely safe ways to get rid of cockroaches and bugs at home Leave no dirty dishes in the sink Leaving no dirty dishes in the sink is an important practice to prevent the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. When dishes and utensils are left unwashed and pile up in the sink, they become a potential food source for pests. The leftover food particles and residues on the dishes attract insects, including cockroaches, ants, and flies. To avoid this, make it a habit to clean your dishes promptly after use. Wash them with hot, soapy water, ensuring that all food residues are removed. If you are unable to wash them immediately, at least rinse off the leftover food before placing them in the sink. Clear your garbage Clearing up your garbage is crucial to preventing the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. Pests are attracted to the odor and food waste in the garbage, making it a potential breeding ground for infestations. Read more: 2 insect species classified as threatened as glaciers melt To effectively manage your garbage, use a sealable trash bin with a tight-fitting lid to contain odors and deter pests. Dispose of your garbage regularly to avoid the buildup of food waste and odors that attract bugs and cockroaches. Double-bagging is particularly strong for wet garbage. Make sure to properly secure trash bags before placing them in the bin. Clean the food crumbs Cleaning up food crumbs is essential for preventing the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. Crumbs and food particles left on countertops, tables, and floors serve as a tempting food source for pests. To effectively prevent infestations, make it a habit to clean up food crumbs promptly. Regularly sweep or vacuum your kitchen and dining area to remove any stray crumbs. Use baking soda To effectively stop the invasion, a blend of baking soda and sugar proves to be a highly efficient technique. Sugar acts as an attractive agent for cockroaches, while baking soda kills them. To effectively address the issue, it is crucial to identify the hiding spots of the pests and generously apply the mixture to the corners. Read more: Exploring Dengue Diagnosis: The Essential Tests for Detecting the Virus

Two young siblings died after inhaling toxic insecticide – intended to kill cockroaches – at their home in Dhaka’s Bashundhara residential area on Sunday (June 4, 2023). The deceased children – Shayen Mobarat Jahin, 15, and his young brother Shahil Mobarat Johan, 9 – were sons of Mobarak Hossain and Sharmin Jahan Lima. Read: How to get rid of cockroaches, bugs at home without using insecticide Police and the children’s family said workers of a pest control service sprayed insecticide at their new home in Bashundhara’s Block I last Friday. The family members left the house after insecticide was used. On Sunday, the family returned to the house and fell sick after inhaling the pesticide, and they were rushed to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, they said. Nine-year-old Johan died early Sunday and Jahin passed away at night while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Read more: 2 workers die after inhaling toxic gas in Chattogram shipyard Md Asaduzzaman, officer-in-charge of Bhatara police station, confirmed the deaths today, saying that the deceased’s father is taking preparation to lodge a complaint in this regard. Read more: Father, son die after inhaling toxic gas in Jashore