Food In Bangladesh Research Articles

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

Introduction Contamination with heavy and toxic metals along the food value chain is a public health concern in Bangladesh. Methods In 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). Results Cr 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. Discussion The 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.

COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, practices, and associated factors among Bangladeshi food handlers from various food industries

Background and objectivesIt is believed that preventive safety measures are the most effective way to avoid the COVID-19. The adherence of workers to these measures is largely determined by their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP). Because they are in close proximity to consumable items, workers in the food industry must be especially vigilant during this period. The purpose of this present study was to evaluate the COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers in different food industries of Bangladesh. Study designThis was a cross-sectional study. MethodsThis included the participation of 400 food handlers from 15 food industries. The information was collected from the participants through a questionnaire prepared in Google form. Different nonparametric tests and a linear regression model were performed for statistical analysis. ResultsWith a correct response rate of about 90% on average (knowledge 89.7%, attitude 93%, practices 88.2%), the participants showed an acceptable KAP (>80% correct response) regarding COVID-19. Education (p = 0.00) and working experiences (p = 0.01) had a significant association with the total KAP scores. ConclusionFood handlers in the food industries of Bangladesh have adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and the desired practices regarding the COVID-19 issue.

PS-P14-9: SALT CONTENT IN COMMONLY CONSUMED PROCESSED PACKAGED FOODS AND THEIR CONFORMITY WITH LABEL INFORMATION IN BANGLADESH

Objective: Consumption of processed foods is surging in low and middle-income countries and gradually replacing home-cooked meals. Unfortunately, the salt content is usually high in these processed foods which eventually causes hypertension, heart diseases and stroke. As the reduction of overall salt intake serves as a preventive measure for Non-communicable Diseases, so, the present study was undertaken to estimate the content of salt in commonly consumed processed foods in Bangladesh and to assess their conformity with label declaration. Along with salt, total sugar, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, protein, fiber and energy were also assessed. Design and Methods: It was a cross-sectional population-based study. A total of 11 most consumed processed packaged foods were identified from the 8 administrative divisions of Bangladesh through a household survey (n = 480) and a market survey (n = 24) done in 2019. Samples from all the 8 divisions were collected following a list of commonly consumed foods and brands. The foods included for analysis were chips, chanachur, fried peas, pulse, noodles, biscuits, lozenge/lollipop, milk chocolate, chutney, and ice cream. A brand-wise composite sample of each processed food item was prepared by pooling at least 12 samples in the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science. Samples were analyzed by ‘Association of Official Analytical Chemists’ and titrimetric method (IS-1743) method at an accredited lab. The healthiness of the products was evaluated in terms of the Health Star Rating scheme of Australia and the UK traffic light labelling system. Label information was compared with corresponding analytical values and per cent variation was calculated. Results: Most of the analyzed foods contained excessive amounts of salt, sugar and saturated fat. Alarmingly, for salt, where WHO labels ‘> 1.5 g/100g’ as ‘High/Excessive’ the products range from 4 g to 0.14 g per 100 g. Among them, 8 out of 11 food items were red marked. None of the brands qualifies for health claims in the star rating scheme and the UK traffic light system due to high content of salt and other critical nutrients. Most of the products misreported the nutrient content on labels. Conclusions: For the sake of public health, modification is highly needed in the processing of commonly consumed processed foods to make them healthy and less salt-containing. Study findings strongly advocate the necessity for strict regulations for appropriate user-friendly nutritional labelling. These measures will help in attaining Sustainable Development Goal 3-the health targets.

UNVEILING THE SILENT THREAT: FOOD ADULTERATION IN BANGLADESH

: Food adulteration refers to the mixing, deception, and substitution of various hazardous substances for high-quality ingredients in the production of food. Typically, food is considered contaminated when it lacks essential characteristics or contains substances of poor quality that are harmful to health. Food adulteration in Bangladesh means by the practice of adding hazardous substances, toxic colours or noxious food additives. Most foods in Bangladesh are contaminated with dangerous chemicals at every step of the food chain, from production to consumption, toxic colours, preservative, used oil, unclean water etc, which cause a number of chronic and nonchronic ailments in the consumers. The issue of food adulteration has gotten out of control for the people of Bangladesh. This article discusses the effects of eating contaminated food on one's health as well as the roles played by the relevant authorities in combating the problem. This goal of this review article is not to shake blame at or disparage anyone. The purpose of this literature is to present current situation of food adulteration in Bangladesh and some possible suggestions in brief.

50 years of rice breeding in Bangladesh: genetic yield trends

To assess the efficiency of genetic improvement programs, it is essential to assess the genetic trend in long-term data. The present study estimates the genetic trends for grain yield of rice varieties released between 1970 and 2020 by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute. The yield of the varieties was assessed from 2001–2002 to 2020–2021 in multi-locations trials. In such a series of trials, yield may increase over time due to (i) genetic improvement (genetic trend) and (ii) improved management or favorable climate change (agronomic/non-genetic trend). In both the winter and monsoon seasons, we observed positive genetic and non-genetic trends. The annual genetic trend for grain yield in both winter and monsoon rice varieties was 0.01 t ha−1, while the non-genetic trend for both seasons was 0.02 t ha−1, corresponding to yearly genetic gains of 0.28% and 0.18% in winter and monsoon seasons, respectively. The overall percentage yield change from 1970 until 2020 for winter rice was 40.96%, of which 13.91% was genetic trend and 27.05% was non-genetic. For the monsoon season, the overall percentage change from 1973 until 2020 was 38.39%, of which genetic and non-genetic increases were 8.36% and 30.03%, respectively. Overall, the contribution of non-genetic trend is larger than genetic trend both for winter and monsoon seasons. These results suggest that limited progress has been made in improving yield in Bangladeshi rice breeding programs over the last 50 years. Breeding programs need to be modernized to deliver sufficient genetic gains in the future to sustain Bangladeshi food security.

Agri-Food Supply Chain (ASC) in Bangladesh: A Linear Physical Flow

Bangladesh Agri-Food Supply Chain (ASC) relies on complex intermediaries. Farmer-to-consumer intermediaries Previous research on the Bangladesh food supply chain shown that several intermediaries profit from the consumer price. Primary distribution has five intermediaries shown in the figure. Faria sold little amounts of merchandise in three or four local markets. They offer farmer items to the Beparies. Landless laborers or small farmers without full- time farm occupations are frequent. Capital constraints limit their business volume. Beparies are specialist merchants who buy agricultural items from farmers or farias at the market or hamlet. Faria produced less. Bepary sells to Aratdar. Aratdar provides storage spaces between Bepari and shops for a predetermined commission. Retailers complete marketing channels. They offer things from Beparis via Aratdar. According to the comparison, ASC in Bangladesh flows linearly.

Local-traditional foods of Bangladesh: A treasure to be preserved

Vast expansion of industrially processed food market is threating the existence of demographically preferred traditional food items wherein there is always an increasing demand of consumer's preference driven food product development. In response to this context, documentation, and flow of information through generation are prerequisite to the preservation and sustainable utilization of the traditional foods. What's more, a successful integration of traditional foods with modern days industrial production would be a key contributor to meet the global food challenges. The focus of this study was to search and preserve the details of Bangladeshi traditional food items with the potentiality of large-scale industrial production to meet the increasing need for diversified food for increasing population. This study was conducted through an open-ended question-based survey, where older citizen of the country was the source of information and younger citizen was the conveyor of information. Results showed that, diversity in geography, religion, availability of ingredients, crop production, socio-cultural indices have influences on Bangladeshi traditional food choice. In total, the documentation of 134 local-traditional food items, encompassing main course meal (comprising of main dishes and complementary ones), snacks, sweetmeats, among others has been performed. The incorporation of product-specific processing operation to the existent production process of traditional food items would improve their safety and preservation aspects. This study could be a groundwork for more investigations towards the expansion of traditional foods of Bangladesh for their industrial production, knowing the existing market demand.

Association of food habit with the COVID-19 severity and hospitalization: A cross-sectional study among the recovered individuals in Bangladesh.

Background: It was assumed that dietary habits might influence the status of COVID-19 patients. Aim: We aimed at the identification of association of dietary habits with the COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study (n = 1025). We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to correlate the association between self-reported dietary patterns and COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Results: Dietary habits (black tea, milked tea, pickles, black caraway seeds, honey, fish, fruits, vegetables, garlic, onion and turmeric) were identified with lower risk of COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Interestingly, the consumption frequency (one-, two- or three-times/day) of rice - the staple food in Bangladesh - was not associated with COVID-19 severity and hospitalization for comorbid patients. In contrast, a moderate rice-eating habit (two times/day) was strongly associated with the lower risk of severity and hospitalization for non-comorbid patients. However, for both comorbid and non-comorbid patients, consumption of black tea, milked tea, pickles and honey were associated with a lower likelihood of severity and hospitalization. Overall, a high consumption (three-times/day) of fish, fruits and vegetables, a moderate consumption of garlic, onion and turmeric spices and a daily intake of black/milked tea, and honey were associated with reduced risk of COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Conclusions: To reduce the severity of COVID-19, a habitual practice of intaking black tea, milked tea, black caraway seeds and honey along with dietary habit (rice, fish and vegetables) and with a moderate consumption of ginger, garlic, onion, mixed aromatic spices (cinnamon + cardamom + cloves) and turmeric might be suggested.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Aspergillus elegans from small indigenous dry fish ‘Jat Puti’ Puntius sophore (Hamilton 1822) in Bangladesh

Small indigenous species (SIS) of fishes are available source of animal protein, vitamin and minerals, not commonly available in other foods in Bangladesh. These fishes are eaten both in fresh and dried condition. Puntious sophore was collected from different regions of Baikka Beel at Sreemangal Upazila, Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh to investigate mycoflora association with dried condition. Fungus was isolated from dried fish using tissue planting methods for classical and molecular characterization. Aspergillus elegans was identified through classical taxonomy and molecular approach based on ITS region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of fungi. For analyzing ITS4 and ITS5 were used. Mycelium of the identified fungus septated, hyaline, abundant and branched. Long, straight or flexous conidiophore were present. The molecular phylogeny in morphologically identified dry fish fungi of P. sophore such as A. elegans was studied based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The sequences of ITS 600 bp region of A. elegans had 5.8S of rDNA sequences were identical. The highest mycelial growth was recorded in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium for the growth and development of A. elegans. Temperature 30°C was optimum, this fungus grew well in pH 7. So, tested fungi grew well in neutral condition.
 Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 10(1 & 2): 39-47, 2021 (June & December)

Sorghum: A prospective crop for climatic vulnerability, food and nutritional security

Climatic oscillation is mediated by altered temperature and precipitation patterns projected to impact food production stability and lead to food and nutritional security threats. This review discusses the potential of sorghum as a promising crop for food security in the context of climatic variation. Increasing temperatures and altering precipitation patterns change crop water requirements, lowering crop potential and production while raising the cost of water availability throughout the agricultural landscape. Under these conditions, shifting to substitute crops with minor water necessities, abiotic stress tolerance, greater yield, or biological substance per unit of water is critical for long-lasting farming. With its dual purposes implications like a staple food for humans and a major feed crop for animal feeding, sorghum can adjust to a diversity of agronomic and environmental circumstances, principally little precipitation, inadequate irrigation water availability, and salinity. Sorghum has been found to be less vulnerable to climatic variables, allowing it to maintain high productivity while also serving as a source of diet for human beings, animals, and fresh substance for industrial manufacture, as well as ensuring food security in the tropics. In-depth research is imperative for precise conclusions of the prospects of sorghum in sustainable crop modeling for food security. • Sorghum is among the few crops that cope with climate warming and attendant water problems. • Sorghum can adapt to various conditions and is particularly resistant to limited input and more resilient to saltwater. • Sorghum is plentiful in a range of bioactive compounds, with great human health advantages. • It can be used for human and animal purposes, may alleviate Bangladesh's food security concerns.

Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistant Gram Negative Bacteria in the Street Vended Foods of Bangladesh: An Overview

Background: Street vended foods contaminated with antibiotic resistant bacteria poses a great public health concern in developing countries like Bangladesh as foodborne diseases caused by such bacteria are difficult and sometimes impossible to treat. The aim of this review is to investigate the present scenario of the antibiotic resistance status of five selected Gram negative bacteria isolated from a variety of street vended foods of Bangladesh.
 Methodology: A methodical literature search was performed to identify relevant studies on Google Scholar, Science Direct and Research Gate using suitable keywords arranged in different manners to produce a meaningful search string. Weighted mean resistance was calculated to evaluate the resistance status from 20 studies selected through the PRISMA procedure.
 Results: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Vibrio spp. showed relatively low resistance towards imipenem and gentamicin, whereas the antibiotics of penicillins and macrolides classes listed in this review were mostly ineffective. Relatively high resistance was found against tetracycline, vancomycin, and rifampicin.
 Conclusion: A considerable number of bacterial isolates present in the SVF are resistant to most of the commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, there is an urgent need for public awareness along with a robust national action plan to combat antibiotic resistance, before the situation worsens.

Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Ready to eat Food Sold by Street Vendors in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a vibrant street food culture, with easily available ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. In this study, a total of 221 isolates were obtained from 141 Bangladeshi RTE food samples, such as fried, non-fried, and cooked foods; egg-, milk-, cereal-, and cream-based foods; pickles/achar; fruit; and RTE leaves, through culture on trypticase soy (for aerobic plate count), mannitol salt (MS for Staphylococcaceae), deoxycholate-hydrogen sulfide-lactose (DHL, for Enterobacteriaceae), and NaCl glycine Kim Goepfert agar (NGKG, for Bacillus cereus-like bacteria) agar plates. The aerobic plate counts ranged from undetectable to 8.5 log CFU/g. After enrichment with peptone water, contaminated bacteria detected on DHL, MS, and NGKG agar plates, from 77, 110, and 77 samples, respectively. Twenty out of 111 isolates on DHL agar, and 17 of 32 isolates on NGKG agar clearly showed resistance against three or more drugs. Through 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing analysis, six selected isolates from DHL agar were identified as Pseudomonas nitroreducens, Citrobacter braakii, Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, and Serratia marcescens. One selected isolate from NGKG agar was identified as Bacillus cereus-like bacteria. The results suggest that additional safety measures and regulations are necessary to ensure the quality and safety of the RTE foods in Bangladesh.

Risk management to increase cultivation of hybrid rice for improved food security in Bangladesh: a proposed framework

Bangladesh and its more than 16 million people face an imminent food crisis as the population rises and arable land decreases due to urbanization, erosion, and climate change. To prevent mass hunger by 2050, we need to increase rice output rapidly, is to grow hybrid rice, as China did in the 1980s. This can work, but a government attempt to introduce hybrid rice in the 1990s and 2000s fell flat. Sticky hybrid rice consumption went against Bangladeshi food culture. This discouraged farmers as well as many other risks they encountered when trying to grow hybrid rice. Unlike traditional rice, hybrid rice gave no seeds for the next year, and hybrid rice seed markets were unreliable and often fake. So, fewer Bangladeshi farmers are growing hybrid rice than in 2009, as more hybrid rice is increasing exponentially. This paper considers all the risks faced by a Bangladeshi farmer trying to grow hybrid rice faces. Then it assesses what policy measures are needed to manage those risks. From this consideration, the authors develop an integrated policy to surge hybrid rice cultivation in Bangladesh to increase total rice production by 2050 by at least 83%. The authors used a qualitative survey, key informant interviewing with snowball sampling, focus group discussions, and used published materials for the research methodology. Thematic approach method using Nvivo 12 software was applied for data analysis. Yet, it all implicitly hangs on changing Bangladeshi consumers' cultural preference from non-glutinous to glutinous rice, without which all of the policy changes will be too much for Bangladeshis to eat.

Heavy metals contamination and associated health risks in food webs-a review focuses on food safety and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh.

Heavy metals occur naturally in very small amounts in living organisms, but exposure to their higher concentrations is hazardous. Heavy metals at hazardous levels are commonly found in foodstuffs of Bangladesh, mainly due to the lack of safety guidelines and poor management of industrial effluents. Several lines of evidence suggest that the level of heavy metals in foodstuffs of Bangladesh is higher than the acceptable limits set by World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization. Literature survey revealed that the sources and transport pathways of heavy metals in the ecosystem and the abundance of heavy metals in the food products of Bangladesh are potential threats to food safety. However, an extensive assessment of the toxicity of heavy metals in food webs is lacking. Although widespread heavy metal contamination in various foodstuffs and environmental matrices have been summarized in some reports, a critical evaluation regarding multi-trophic transfer and the health risk of heavy metal exposure through food chain toxicity in Bangladesh has not been performed. This systematic review critically discussed heavy metal contamination, exposure toxicity, research gaps, existing legislation, and sustainable remediation strategies to enhance Bangladesh’s food safety. In particular, this study for the first time explored the potential multi-trophic transfer of heavy metals via food webs in Bangladesh. Furthermore, we recommended a conceptual policy framework to combat heavy metal contaminations in Bangladesh.

Prevalence and associated factors of insufficient physical activity among elderly people in Bangladesh: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

ObjectivesInsufficient physical activity (IPA) is a crucial risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The elderly population has a higher likelihood of suffering from NCDs. We aimed to estimate the prevalence...

Uncertainty of pesticides in foodstuffs, associated environmental and health risks to humans-a critical case of Bangladesh with respect to global food policy.

The uncertain fate and transport pathways of applied pesticides are the key hidden threats with respect to the safety and quality evaluation of foodstuffs in Bangladesh. The risk assessment of and uncertainty about applied pesticides are poorly explored due to weak regulatory systems, farmer ignorance, intensive agricultural practices, and lack of available research data on improper handling of pesticides on farming lands with poor phytosanitary management. However, increasing evidence suggests that the prevalence of pesticides in common foodstuffs is due to their uptake by crops and improper management of crop protection practices. Besides, the biotransformation of pesticides in common Bangladeshi food products is poorly understood. Several studies have reported higher concentrations of pesticides than allowed by European Union guidelines in Bangladeshi foodstuffs. However, to date, no systematic review with critical discussion on current research findings and knowledge gaps concerning fate, uncertainty, and health risks of pesticides in the foodstuffs of Bangladesh is published. Therefore, this review summarizes the findings of existing literature on pesticide residue in foodstuffs and points out the weaknesses in the regulatory system and risk assessments for highlighting the critical challenges to food safety in Bangladesh as compared to global food policy. In addition, strategies for the sustainable management of residual pesticides are also discussed.

Critical Review of Lead Pollution in Bangladesh

Background.Lead (Pb) poses a severe threat to human health and the environment. Worldwide Pb production and consumption have significantly increased along with unplanned industrialization and urbanization, lead smelting, and lead-acid battery processing. The improper management of Pb-containing elements is responsible for Pb pollution. Lead's persistence in nature and bioaccumulation in the food chain can lead to adverse health impacts.Objectives.The present study aims to describe Pb contaminated sites in Bangladesh and Pb concentration in the atmosphere, water, sediments, soil, vegetables, fish, and other foods in Bangladesh.Methods.The present study searched a total of 128 peer-reviewed articles based on a predefined set of criteria (keywords, peer-reviewed journals, and indexing in Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Bangladesh Journals Online (BanglaJOL) and exclusion criteria (predatory journal and absence of full text in English) and finally selected 63 articles (58 research articles and five (5) reports). The relevant findings on Pb exposure, sources, routes, diet, and impacts in Bangladesh were combined and presented.Results.The reviewed studies identified 175 Pb contaminated sites through soil sample assessment in Bangladesh. The study determined Pb concentrations in air (0.09–376.58 μg/m3, mean 21.31 μg/m3), river water (0.0009–18.7 mg/l, mean 1.07 mg/l), river sediments (4.9–69.75 mg/kg, mean 32.08 mg/kg), fish (0.018–30.8 mg/kg, mean 5.01 mg/kg), soil (7.3–445 mg/kg, mean 90.34 mg/kg), vegetables (0.2–22.09 mg/kg, mean 4.33 mg/kg) and diet items (0.001–413.9 mg/kg, mean 43.22 mg/kg) of which 38.8%, 27.8%, 54.5%, 68.8%, 9.7% and 100% of samples, respectively, exceeded related World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Bangladesh Standard Testing Institution (BSTI) guidelines. The present study found that industrial soils are severely polluted with Pb (7.3–445 mg/kg) in Bangladesh. A high Pb concentration has been found in fish muscle and foods, including leafy and non-leafy vegetables collected from different places in Bangladesh.Conclusions.Lead-contaminated foods can enter the human body through dietary intake and consequently lead to long-term adverse health effects. This study may help policymakers to formulate national policies with effective mitigation plans to combat the adverse health impacts of Pb in Bangladesh.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Opportunities for inclusive and efficient low carbon food system development in Bangladesh

The food system is a significant source of rising greenhouse gas emissions in Bangladesh due to increasing food demand, and ongoing economic growth. The country needs to develop low carbon pathways for the food system that strengthen food security, reduce vulnerability to climate change, and help to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In this paper we analyse the historical trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions of the food system in Bangladesh, and identify various strategies for reducing those emissions. Our analysis reveals that greenhouse gas emissions from Bangladesh's food system doubled from 1990 to 2017, and from the processes included in this study are projected to rise up to 250% by 2050 under a business as usual scenario. Compared with that scenario, a ‘National Policy-Based Circular Economy’ scenario could achieve a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the same period for same level of food supply and production. Major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could be achieved through activities such as alternative wetting and drying in rice cultivation, and the valorisation of organic waste generated by the food system.

Behavioural intention to purchase organic food: Bangladeshi consumers' perspective

PurposeThis research aims to assess the consumers' intention to purchase organic foods for balanced physical and mental growth. It examines the decision-making process in buying organic products built on the extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). This study designed a model to show how Bangladeshi consumers wish to purchase organic food.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by means of a formal questionnaire from shoppers in different markets who buy organic and non-organic foods. Statistical analysis is done by applying partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsFindings refer that among the four antecedents called social norms (SN), personal attitude (ATT), perceived behaviour control (PBC) and health consciousness (HC), three (ATT, PBC and HC) have a significant influence on the intention to consume organic food in Bangladesh. The only cognitive variable called social norm (SN) has no statistically significant impact though it positively relates to the behavioural intention to purchase organic food.Research limitations/implicationsThe fitted model did not consider any moderating or mediating variable though there might be such effects regarding organic food purchase and consumption. The study includes a major portion of the respondents from less than Tk. 20,000 monthly income group, which is a price-sensitive group from Bangladesh perspective. Hence, this price sensitivity might have a slight influence on the results of the study.Practical implicationsThis study includes four variables as the predictors to describe consumers' intention to purchase organic food products in Bangladesh. Among the predictors, health consciousness or awareness is found to be most powerful. Though consciousness is the key, the awareness of Bangladeshi citizen regarding organic food is lower than in other parts of the world. Hence, the research model directs the policymakers to increase awareness through different social campaigns.Social implicationsUnder Vision 2040 of promoting sustainable development, the government of Bangladesh is trying to increase organic food consumption. Production and consumption of organic food will positively impact society since organic fertilizers are environmentally friendly and do not harm society. This research promotes a strategy formulation to ensure the consumption of organic foods for a positive social impact.Originality/valueThis study is a unique research to concentrate on the importance and factors influencing the consumption of organic foods in Bangladesh, a recently graduated developing country. Furthermore, it extended the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and proposed a new conceptual framework.