A recent study has revealed that an average of 13 percent of dried fish produced in Bangladesh contains pesticide residues, indicating that the remaining 87 percent is safe for consumption. The research team also noted that the pesticide levels in the affected dried fish significantly decrease after cooking.
These findings were presented at a seminar organized by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) on Wednesday (May 14th) to disseminate the results of the research. The study focused on dried fish production hubs across the country, including Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Dublar Char (known for marine fish drying), and Chalan Beel in Natore and Sunamganj (centers for freshwater fish drying).
The research also highlighted regional preferences for dried fish varieties. Knife fish (chhuri shutki) is most popular in Chattogram (57%) and Cox's Bazar (55%), while snakehead fish (taki shutki) is favored in Chalan Beel (37%). In the Sundarbans' Dublar Char, loitta shutki (Bombay duck) is the top choice (46%).
The seminar was chaired by BFSA member Dr. Mohammad Mostafa, with BFSA Chairman Zakaria as the chief guest. Dr. Md. Ariful Islam, Senior Scientific Officer at the Shrimp Research Center of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, presented the research paper. Panel discussions involved Professor Dr. Md. Tajul Islam Chowdhury of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Principal Scientific Officer Dr. Md. Nazmul Bari of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, and welcoming remarks were given by BFSA member Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb.
BFSA Chairman Zakaria stated that this study was one of seven research initiatives undertaken in 2022-23. He emphasized that the use of pesticides in dried fish would be considered a punishable offense. He also called for a clear definition of adulteration, noting that some practices considered socially irregular might not constitute actual adulteration. "Using pesticides in dried fish will be considered adulteration," he affirmed.
In his welcome address, Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb mentioned the ongoing issue of pesticide use in dried fish and noted that the Basel Convention recently proposed banning ten pesticides, two of which are used in Bangladesh.
Dr. Md. Ariful Islam explained that fish and meat contribute 60% of the protein intake in the country. He attributed pesticide use partly to the lack of education among many dried fish producers, leading to improper processing. He noted that dried fish production peaks from October to March, and pesticides are sometimes used when there is insufficient sunlight for drying. However, he pointed out that out of 260 samples tested, only 13% showed pesticide presence. Regarding daily consumption, he stated that people in Cox's Bazar consume 15.72 grams, Chattogram 14.48 grams, Sunamganj 7.84 grams, Chalan Beel 9.56 grams, and Dublar Char 12.22 grams of dried fish on average.
The study found higher levels of endosulfan sulfate in dried fish from Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Dublar Char, Sunamganj, and Chalan Beel. Lower levels of dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, and beta-endosulfan were also detected.
Dr. Md. Nazmul Bari highlighted the widespread use of polythene and suggested including microplastic analysis in future research. He advocated for mechanical drying instead of relying on sunlight. Speakers also mentioned that soaking dried fish in water for a few hours or using salt water can reduce the harmful effects of pesticide residues.
