Tuesday, April 9, 2013

A welcome High Court ruling against food adulteration



THE High Court on Monday asked the government to set up food courts at every district headquarters within the next one year in line with the Pure Food Ordinance 1959, according to a report published in New Age on Tuesday. When delivering its verdict, the court observed that, as the government is ordained under article 32 of the constitution to ensure the right to life and liberty, and as the word ‘life’ means ensuring healthy livelihood, the government is constitutionally bound to ensure pure food for all. The ruling certainly marks a breakthrough in the fight against food adulteration and is thus welcome. The Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh also deserves praise for bringing the issue to the court’s attention by filing the public interest litigation writ in this regard.
   With the prices of essential commodities constantly on the rise and the purchasing power of the majority of the populace in decline, it is already a difficult proposition for most people in Bangladesh to manage decent meals for themselves and families. What’s worse, with the market flooded with adulterated items, they are not sure whether it is food or slow death that they are buying with their hard-earned money. Food adulteration thus constitutes a serious violation of human rights. That the market is glutted with adulterated food is not new as it has been going on for a number of years without being addressed properly by the authorities concerned, for no government in the past was serious enough to address the matter effectively. The court’s ruling essentially forces the government’s hands so as to ensure that such violation no longer takes place.
   However, it is pertinent to note that food courts, as and when they are established, could only provide the cure, so to speak; what the country also needs, given the fact that adulteration of food has become widespread, effective preventive measures. Here comes the question of strengthening the legal framework, including the consumer protection act, and its stringent enforcement. There has been much talk over strengthening of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution over the years; however, the institution remains a paper tiger in all practical purposes, hamstrung by personnel and logistics inadequacy. One hopes that the government will sincerely work towards its enhancement so that it can effectively spearhead the anti-food adulteration campaign in the country.
   What is equally important is creating awareness among the people against food adulteration. Most people do not realise that, as the court observed in its ruling, it is incumbent upon the government to ensure pure food for each and every citizen. Heightened awareness among the people can also become a strong weapon in the fight against food adulteration. Such an awareness campaign cannot be effectively carried out by the government alone; the media, both print and electronic, and different social, cultural and political organisations need to come forward as well. Here again, the responsibility ultimately lies with the government to orchestrate an effective campaign.
   Crucially still, the food courts need to be free from interference by any quarters. In the past, we have seen food adulterers slipping through the dragnet of law, either scot-free or with virtually token punishment. Hence, if need be, the Pure Food Ordinance should be upgraded, stipulating stringent punishment for such a grave offence. In the end, decisive preventive actions coupled with demonstrable punitive measures can help the country make a giant stride in the fight against food adulteration.

No comments:

Post a Comment