Photo : BSS

DHAKA, May 14, 2025 (BSS) – Some 87 percent of dried fish is safe for human consumption as pesticide is used (on an average) in only 13 percent of such fish in the country.

However, the level of such harmful chemical comes down to much less than 13 percent after cooking of the dried fish.

These were revealed in a research findings disseminated at a seminar organized by the research team of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) at its office in the capital’s Shahbagh area today.

The research was conducted analyzing some 405 samples taken from five different areas namely –- Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Dublarchar popularly known for sea dried fish and Chalan beel and Sunamganj known for sweet water dried fish production hubs, said a press release here.

The research findings showed that around 57 percent people in Chattogram and 55 percent people in Cox’s Bazar consumed most the “Chhuri” dried fish followed by 37 percent people the “Taki” dried fish in Chalan beel while 46 percent people the “Loitta” dried fish in Dublarchar area in the Sundarbans.

Chaired by BFSA member Dr Mohammad Mostafa, BFSA Chairman Zakaria spoke on the occasion as the chief guest. Senior scientific officer of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Dr Md Ariful Islam unveiled the findings of the survey.

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Professor Dr Md Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) Principal Scientific Officer Dr Md Nazmul Bari took part in the panel discussion while BFSA Member Dr Mohammad Shoaib also spoke.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, BFSA Chairman Zakaria said that this was one of the seven research operations, which were undertaken in 2022-23 while such research does not reflect the whole scenario of the country.

He also underscored the need for properly clarifying the definition of adulteration in dried fish.

In his welcome address, Dr Mohammad Shoaib said that pesticides are being used in producing the dried fish in the country.

Dr Md Ariful Islam said although around 60 percent protein comes from fish and meat but most of the dried fish producers and workers lack proper knowledge to make the dried fish.

The survey findings also revealed that the people of Cox’s Bazar used to consume the highest extent of 15.72 gram dried fish daily followed by 14.48 gram in Chattogram, 7.84 gram in Sunamganj, 9.56 gram in Chalan beel and 12.22 gram in Dublarchar.

The speakers at the event suggested for resting the dried fish in salted water for hours to minimize its harmful sides.

Representatives from various organizations, senior officials, civil society members and representatives from media were present at the event.