JICA-aided mini food safety labs installed in 18 districts

Mini laboratories have been installed at the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) offices in 18 districts in an effort to enhance institutional and technical capacities for developing a safe food system in the country.

The food safety mini laboratories have been installed with the support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

JICA will also provide technical assistance for operating laboratory activities in sixty-four district and eight BFSA’s city offices.

The information was revealed at the final evaluation and experience sharing event of JICA-funded “Strengthening the Inspection, Regulatory and Coordination Activities of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority” (STIRC) project, at BFSA’s training room here today.

BFSA’s chairman M Shafiqul Islam attended the function as the chief guest.

The STIRC project, implemented with technical assistance from JICA, has played an important role in strengthening the institutional capacity of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, improving skills and raising public awareness, said the BFSA’s chairman in his address.
He said the achievements of the project will serve as an important foundation for building a strong, science-based and integrated food safety system in Bangladesh.

At the same time, this initiative will contribute to ensuring food safety at all levels across the country through the collective participation of relevant government agencies, the food industry and the general public.

Senior Representative of JICA Bangladesh Shoji Izumi said ensuring food safety is not merely a technical issue; it is also closely linked to public health protection, public trust and the country’s economic development.

Highlighting the importance of the longstanding cooperation between JICA and the BFSA in strengthening Bangladesh’s food safety system, he expressed gratitude to the authorities for making Japan a partner in this journey.

Since 2019, the STIRC project has been working to enhance the institutional and technical capacities of the country’s food safety system as part of JICA’s technical cooperation with the BFSA.

Under the project, various initiatives have been implemented to improve administrative activities related to food safety, strengthen food inspection and sample collection, upgrade laboratory operations, raise public awareness and enhance the skills of relevant officials.

With the support of the project, opportunities have been created to enhance the capacity for food testing, sample analysis and identification of food safety-related risks at the field level.

In addition, various aspects of the regulatory system have been reviewed to identify existing limitations in the Food Safety Act, rules and regulations, standards and implementation processes.

To make food inspection activities more effective, training has been provided to food safety officers on inspection, sample collectors on sample collection, and laboratory personnel on testing skills.

Through this, emphasis has been placed on developing a skilled workforce for food safety monitoring and testing activities at the field level.

The project has also implemented various initiatives to raise public awareness about food safety.

Training programmes on food safety and hygiene have been arranged for primary school students, university students and canteen staff.

In addition, a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme has been organized for sweet manufacturers. Even training has been provided to employees and officials associated with hotels, restaurants and bakeries.

Training videos on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the Japanese 5S Kaizen method have been developed to improve the cleanliness and standards of food business establishments.

Training manuals, food establishment inspection checklists and guidelines have also been prepared for food business operators. Public awareness campaigns have also been conducted using digital marketing strategies on social media.

BFSA’s secretary and project director of STIRC project Srabosti Roy chaired the seminar.

Representatives from the food ministry, BFSA’s senior officials, food traders, development partners and NGO representatives were also attended the event.