Heavy metal contamination in retailed food in Bangladesh: a dietary public health risk assessment

IntroductionContamination with heavy and toxic metals along the food value chain is a public health concern in Bangladesh. MethodsIn this study, 608 fish and chicken samples from traditional and modern retail outlets in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas were collected and analyzed for chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) contamination, using atomic absorption spectrometry method. The daily intake, target hazard quotient and the target carcinogenic risk (for lead only) as a result of fish and chicken consumption was calculated based on mean results, and by Monte Carlo simulation in @Risk with 100,000 iterations (quantitative risk assessment). ResultsCr and Cd were detected in 80-86% of both chicken meat and fish samples, while Pb positivity found in chicken meat and fish was 54.9 and 23.3%, respectively. The mean concentration (+/- SD) of Cr, Cd, and Pb in chicken meat were 0.66 +/- 0.93, 0.02 +/- 0.03, and 0.09 +/- 0.10 mg/kg, respectively; and in fish were 0.49 +/- 0.62, 0.02 +/- 0.03, and 0.06 +/- 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. The estimated daily intakes of Cr, Cd, and Pb from chicken and fish were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake in all studied areas. In addition, the target carcinogenic risk for Pb in chicken was lower than the negligible range, which indicated the risk of cancer due to exposure to Pb through chicken meat and fish consumption was very low. DiscussionThe present study concludes that consumption of chicken meat and fish in Bangladesh, currently at very low levels, is unlikely to constitute a major health risk for humans in respect to these metals. However, continuous market surveillance for heavy metals in food stuff is recommended, especially since consumers may increase their meat intake

Microbial Contamination and Antibiotic Resistance in Marketed Food in Bangladesh: Current Situation and Possible Improvements

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health problem worldwide. Bangladesh, like its neighboring countries, faces many public health challenges, including access to safe food, inadequate food surveillance, as well as increasing AMR. This study investigated bacterial contamination and the AMR profile of pathogens in marketed food in Bangladesh and explored barriers to reducing AMR in the country. We collected 366 tomatoes, 359 chicken and 249 fish samples from 732 vendors in traditional markets in urban, peri-urban and rural areas in Bangladesh, as well as from 121 modern retails in Dhaka capital to analyse Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli in fish, Salmonella in chicken, and Salmonella and E. coli in tomatoes. Antibiotic susceptibility against 11 antibiotics was tested using a disc diffusion test and interpreted by an automated zone inhibition reader. In addition, a qualitative study using key informant interviews was conducted to explore antimicrobial use and AMR reduction potential in Bangladesh. We found E. coli in 14.21% of tomatoes and 26.91% of fish samples, while 7.38% of tomatoes and 17.27% of chicken were positive for Salmonella, and 44.98% of fish were positive for Vibrio cholerae. In total 231/319 (72.4%) of all pathogens isolated were multidrug-resistant (MDR) (resistant to three or more antibiotic groups). Qualitative interviews revealed an inadequate surveillance system for antibiotic use and AMR in Bangladesh, especially in the agriculture sector. To be able to fully understand the human health risks from bacterial hazards in the food and the AMR situation in Bangladesh, a nationwide study with a one health approach should be conducted, within all sectors, including AMR testing as well as assessment of the antimicrobial use and its drivers

Value Chain Analysis of Processed Poultry Products (Egg and Meat) in Some Selected Areas of Bangladesh

Abstract Knowing the existing nature of processed poultry and poultry products marketing system, from producer to consumer via value chain were considered among two mega Districts Dhaka and Chittagong as a respondent. A total of 123 respondent from each districts in 8 different categories of stakeholders those were directly related to this business namely 10 broiler,10 layer farmers; 10 Chain shop; 20 Fast food shops; 15 Chinese restaurants; 20 normal Hotel; 15 wet market Buyer; 20 Consumer and 3 Poultry product processing industries. All actors were randomly selected towards collection of relevant information following pretested questionnaire. Simple statistical tools were applied for analysis of collected data. Surveyed data analysis clearly revealed that for achieving margin of profit, average value addition for farmers cases 13% and 16.5% respectively for meat/kg and eggs/no; for whole seller/Aratdar added extra value 5.09% and 0.28%; and for retailer 7% and 8% level and for whole seller to consumer's added extra value near about 7% and 5.5% and for meat and egg finally processed poultry meat 30% and further processed meat 125% respectively. During value addition consideration each and every stake holder all production cost factor along with other management activities costing were considered before marketed to one stakeholder or to others. For item-wise of value added poultry meat and eggs were found in different number and names. Average 5-6 no. meat type and 3-4 no egg type for hotel for Chinese restaurant 17-18 no meat products and 8-9 no. egg products, for fast food shop cases 28-30 no. meat products and 6-8 egg products; for chain super market 40-45 no. meat products and 7-8 no. egg products;. The total value added was found higher in Hotel especially for meat cases. Production cost for open market was found only 6.5% whereas for structured or processed market tends to estimate 40.5% because of manages mental, transportation and publicity cost incurs involvement. To flourish or gear-up of processed or further processed poultry & poultry products business in our country profitably need to be set up a well-structured marketing system in replace of wet market. Ensuring available safe and quality poultry and poultry derived food products to meet consumers demand, value chain actors especially entrepreneur public private partnership initiative need to come forward to run processed or further processed business to a great extend