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To assist concerned agencies or institutions to define safety aspects of foods and to
determine the standard and quality of food;
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To formulate guidelines for determining standard and quality of foods;
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To update standard and quality of foods under the existing laws;
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To assist the concerned agencies to determine the acceptable level of radiation in food;
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To formulate policy for safe food management and guideline for safe food accreditation;
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To formulate policy on safe food and nutrition
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To coordinate among different government, non-governmental agencies and international
organizations concerned about ensuring quality of food;
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To create public awareness about quality of safe food.
This Act also prohibits use of harmful substances in food, use of radiated substances, production
and marketing of adulterated food, use of food additives, and control of consumption of
genetically modified food.
Right to safe water is an important element of the right to food. The Bangladesh Water Act, 2013
provides for coordinated development, management, exploration, distribution, use, and
protection of water resources. It specifically states that all rights relating to water in superjacent,
subsoil, sea water, rain water and water of atmosphere will be exercised by the State on behalf of
the people. The Act establishes right to have safe water. The 2005 Pure Food (Amendment) Act
makes provision for greater vigilance against food fraudulence. The Consumer’s Rights
Protection Act, 2009 aims to establish institutional mechansims and for punishment for certain
offences. Vitamin-A enriched edible Oil Act, 2013 aims to ensure availability of the Vitamin-A
enriched edible Oil for all.
Apart from laws, Bangladesh has formulated several policies on food security. The Food Policy
of 1988 aims to encourage the farmers in producing more food grains by purchasing their
products at a fair/subsidised price. According to Poverty Reduction Strategy, food security is the
core element in the struggle against poverty). The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper of 2005 of
Bangladesh puts emphasis on human development of the poor for raising their capacity through
education, health, nutrition, and social interventions. The National Food Policy (NFP) in 2006
aims at to ensure dependable and sustained food security for all, at all times. Its objectives are to:
(i) ensure the adequate and stable supply of safe and nutritious food; (ii) enhance the purchasing