Denmark, Bangladesh collaborate to enhance food safety standards

Denmark and Bangladesh have strengthened their partnership in the food and agriculture sector with the signing of a new project aimed at addressing the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the misuse of antibiotics in food production. 

The three-year Strategic Sector Cooperation Project was signed today between the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and the Danish Embassy, on behalf of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA), reads a press release. 

The project, which aims to promote safe and sustainable food production in Bangladesh, comes at a crucial time as the world observes Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week from 18-24 November. 

One of the significant contributors to AMR is the misuse of antibiotics in food production, a challenge that Bangladesh is working hard to address. According to reports, AMR-related deaths in Bangladesh now surpass those from chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and kidney diseases.

Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh, Christian Brix Møller, emphasised the global importance of combating AMR, stating, "Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top global public health threats, and a major challenge in Bangladesh. Denmark is honoured to be in this partnership with Bangladesh to work towards high-standard food production for the population."

SM Ferdous Alam, director general of BSTI, highlighted the long-term benefits of the collaboration and said the collaboration will be fruitful as Denmark is pioneering best practices in this area of work. 

"The involvement of DVFA will also enhance our knowledge and capabilities, and improve the efficiency of dairy production in Bangladesh. Moreover, it will ensure better nutrition from a novel food source and ultimately contribute to the economy. We also believe that, under this project, all relevant regulators will have the opportunity to work together for the national interest, advancing a One Health approach," he said.

As part of the project, an expert delegation from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration will meet with key stakeholders from Bangladesh, including the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), BSTI, and Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA). 

These discussions will focus on strategies to ensure the prudent use of antibiotics in food production, aiming to reduce and avoid the spread of AMR in Bangladesh.

The project is aligned with the theme for World AMR Awareness Week 2024, which is "Educate. Advocate. Act now." Through this initiative, both Denmark and Bangladesh aim to take significant steps in combating AMR and ensuring sustainable food production systems for the future.