Bangladesh observed National Food Safety Day 2026 on Monday with the theme “Ensure safe food, build a healthy life.” The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) organized a discussion emphasizing citizens’ right to safe food and the need for awareness across production, processing, and sales. However, questions persist about whether the agency can ensure food safety nationwide. BFSA Chairman Zakaria acknowledged the growing presence of trans fat in food and said the authority is working with multiple institutions to control it through monitoring and awareness.

According to the World Health Organization, Bangladesh is among the 15 countries most at risk of trans fat–related heart disease, responsible for 4.41% of cardiac deaths. Experts warned that trans fat, excessive sugar, salt, and “testing salt” used in fast food pose serious health threats, including heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer. A national survey found excessive testing salt in chips, noodles, popcorn, and fries. The government has decided to require labeling of sugar, salt, and trans fat on packaged foods, though many businesses still fail to comply.

Health officials and researchers urged stronger legal enforcement and public awareness to prevent toxic food consumption and reduce noncommunicable diseases in Bangladesh.