Food, Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid said that excessive levels of heavy metals have been detected in Bangladesh’s food production through various tests, calling for urgent measures to eliminate them. He made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with officials at the Directorate General of Food in Dhaka.

The minister emphasized that ensuring both food supply and quality is essential so that people do not have to worry about food safety. He said the government aims to strengthen the Safe Food Authority to handle quality control for imports and exports, which could help align with international standards such as those of the USFDA. Rashid also highlighted the government’s goal to expand food exports beyond rice and to leave a lasting positive legacy for future generations.

At the meeting, the agriculture state minister, the food secretary, and the director general of the Directorate of Food discussed ongoing activities, challenges, and the need for teamwork to ensure safe and sustainable food systems.