Hazards in every food, how to stay safe: What experts say

Several recent reports indicated that most of the food items in the market are contaminated with different hazardous components like microplastics, heavy metals and excessive antibiotics.

Such reports created panic among the people, while experts suggested ways of staying safe in these circumstances.

As per separate study reports, milk, fish, water and edible oil are contaminated by microplastics, while eggs and chicken meat contain excessive antibiotics. Fruits and vegetables are contaminated with heavy metals like lead and cadmium.

All of these contaminations have made food items hazardous to public health.

The situation has reached such a level that most conscious people have become anxious about food, as it is not possible to avoid these foods altogether. On the other hand, consuming these items means taking toxins into our bodies.

Then one question has arisen everywhere: how can people live safely while consuming or avoiding these important food items?

Recent scientific studies showed that microplastics are present in water, sediments, fish, salt, soft drinks, milk, edible oil and other food products in the country.

Separate research reported excessive levels of antibiotic residues in chicken meat and eggs in Bangladesh.

As per other study reports, popular fruits and vegetables contain high levels of toxic heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) and lead, frequently exceeding safe national and international limits.

Studies have revealed heavy metals and pesticide residues in common vegetables and fruits in Bangladesh above permissible levels, posing serious health risks to people, especially children and women.

One of the studies was conducted by Daffodil International University in 2025, and the report, revealed in September this year, showed that guavas in Rajshahi division were contaminated with excessive levels of heavy metals.

Another study report, revealed on 24 September 2024, conducted by Bangladesh Agricultural University and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and funded by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), also showed the contamination of fruits and vegetables with heavy metals like cadmium and lead.

According to public health experts and studies, microplastics could cause harm to human body tissues. Smaller particles (nanoplastics) can travel to major organs like the liver, kidneys and brain and could cause serious harm.

Taking excessive antibiotics could create antibiotic resistance in the human body. As a result, standard medicines may no longer work, which can lead to severe or life-threatening illnesses.

Besides, consuming fruits or vegetables contaminated with cadmium primarily causes chronic kidney damage and bone demineralization over the long term.

Studies are still ongoing to find more health impacts of consuming such hazardous items.

What Public Health Experts Say

When contacted, former Adviser of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Professor Dr. M. Muzaherul Huq, told Asia Post, “Dishonest producers and business people are mostly responsible for such contamination of foods.”

Harmful edible products and drinks cause illness and even death with suffering, the professor said.

The eminent public health expert said it is now rampant in Bangladesh and causing ill health, leading to diseases mostly affecting our respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, cardiovascular systems and even the neurological system or brain.

As contamination is random, it is much more hazardous if food, drugs or medicines are adulterated.

People have to live on these two essential items to live.

The professor said the state has a responsibility to ensure safe food and drugs. The present punishment of fines is not enough to control or stop contamination of food. In some countries, serious punishment, even the death sentence, is prescribed for food adulteration.

Bangladesh needs to review the laws against adulteration of all food, beverages and drugs, including even death sentences for these irresponsible and heinous crimes.

Vigilance must be increased with more officials, including sanitary inspectors, in all cities, townships and upazilas.

Eminent public health expert Professor Be-Nazir Ahmed told Asia Post, “Microplastic contamination of food and drinks has been an evolving issue in the health and wellbeing of the people.”

Different investigations have found the presence of microplastics in different body fluids and cells of different organs.

It will have different grades of cellular and other body reactions, Be-Nazir Ahmed said.

Contacted, eminent public health expert and cancer specialist Professor Dr. Habibullah Talukder Ruskin told Asia Post, “Some of the contaminants in food, like microplastics, lead and Cd, can even cause cancer in the human body. But it might be due to long-term consumption of such hazardous materials.”

He said people should buy foods or grains from safe stores.

He suggested that villagers produce their own food using safe methods.

He also urged the government to remain vigilant and make producers aware of the use of hazardous materials in food items.

The experts suggested that research should be encouraged with funding on the status of food and allied consuming products that are hazardous.

They said longitudinal studies will be required to assess the consequences of such contamination in food and drinks.

Which Nutritionists Suggest

Eminent nutritionist and Assistant General Secretary of the Nutrition and Dietetics Society of Bangladesh, Tahmia Binte Sarwar, told Asia Post that people must fear when they hear worrisome news about daily food. But everyone should be responsible even while spreading news.

Tahmina said, “It is completely natural to feel worried when you hear news about microplastics or heavy metals like arsenic, lead, or mercury in our food. But here is the good news: just because a food contains a trace amount of a substance does not mean it is instantly dangerous to eat.”

She shared that health risks depend on what the substance is, how much you eat and how long you are exposed to it.

“Cutting out essential foods out of fear does far more harm to your body than good.”

The nutritionist said avoiding whole food groups like fruits, milk, fish, meat and eggs deprives your body of key vitamins, minerals and protein.

Instead, focus on a varied, balanced diet and buy your groceries from trustworthy vendors, she added.

The expert said when one eats a wide variety of foods, he or she naturally lowers the overall risk while keeping the body strong and nourished.

She said simple kitchen hygiene protects your family from everyday bacteria and food poisoning.

The nutritionist suggests washing items under clean running water, keeping raw meat away from cooked food, cooking meals thoroughly and refrigerating leftovers quickly.

Tahmia Binte Sarwar also said, “If you are considering major dietary changes or eliminating key foods, please speak with a dietitian first.”

What Consumer Advocates Say

Consumer Advocates also voice concern over the issue, but asked not be panicked over the issue.

Contacted, SM Nazer Hossain, Vice President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), also asked people not to panic over receiving any news instantly.

“We have to be alert but not be panicked by getting any awful news, especially over foods,” Nazer Hossain told Asia Post.

He said, “The CAB conducted a three-and-a-half-year-long study on Bangladesh’s poultry farms, eggs and chicken meat, which ended in 2022.”

He said, “We found that poultry farmers use antibiotics, but we did not find excessive levels of use.”

Some news is true, but most are found to be ill-motivated propaganda.

Previously, many poultry farms were ruined in the name of bird flu infection, but experts said cooking chicken at a certain temperature might remove bird flu germs.

Recent propaganda about microplastics in toothpaste might have harmed several local companies. But later, experts said microplastics in toothpaste are not harmful as they are not meant for eating.

He suggested that everyone be cautious about producing and consuming safe food to keep the nation healthy.

He said the government must use all of its wings to ensure a safe food chain in the country.

What Food Safety Authority Says

Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) working for ensuring better and safe food for the people.

Contacted, Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, Member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), told Asia Post, “We have regularly monitored the markets and tested several food items. We also recommended that the government take necessary actions in certain cases.”

The BFSA Member said that, besides the government, business people and farmers who produce and market food items also need to be alert and responsible to make the people free from hazards.

As per the experts, fish (mercury) is vital for brain health, especially for pregnant mothers, breastfeeding women and young children. Choose lower-mercury options like small fish (mola, dhain, tengra), rohu, katla or tilapia instead of large ocean predators.

They suggested that water (arsenic) should always be tested and that safe tube-well or filtered water should be used for drinking, cooking and washing food. Contaminated water used in cooking increases arsenic exposure in meals.

The experts said leafy greens and grains (cadmium) can accumulate certain levels of cadmium in leafy vegetables, rice and root crops grown in polluted soil. Eating a balance of different grains and vegetables prevents overexposure.

They suggested eating a colourful variety of fresh, whole foods, practising clean cooking habits, and not letting fear keep people from getting proper nutrition.