DHAKA: Since the government is set to constitute ‘Bangladesh Food Safety Authority’ (BFSA) within a week or two, recruitment process is underway.

Food Minister Advocate Qamrul Islam on Thursday came up with the development while addressing an inaugural session of a workshop on food security in city’s CIRDAP auditorium.

Qamrul also said government is accountable to ensure not only ‘food safety’ but also the right to have ‘safe food’ for all.

The Safe Food Act, 2013 was enacted to stop widespread food adulteration through commissioning of separate courts for the disposal of food-related crimes. The Act has categorised 23 offences for which criminals will face maximum five years in jail term or Tk 1,000,000 fine.

The objective of law is to save lives protecting people from serious health hazards, the minister added.

The BFSA is being formed in accordance with the provisions of the law, which will also be implemented soon, he added.

Presided over by food secretary Mushfeka Ikfat, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Bangladesh representative Mike Robson, and USAID director (economic growth office) Ramona El Hamzaoui, among others, were present at the function.

BDST: 1513 HRS, DEC 04, 2014