Study finds 13 per cent of dried fish in Bangladesh contains pesticides

Only 13 per cent of dried fish produced in Bangladesh were found to contain traces of pesticides, while the remaining 87 per cent are considered safe for consumption, according to findings of a new study.

Researchers noted that even in the dried fish samples where pesticide residues were detected, the levels dropped significantly after cooking.

The study further revealed consumption preferences among regions.In Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, Churi shutki is the most consumed variety (57 per cent and 55 per cent respectively) while in Chalan Beel, Taki shutki dominates (37 per cent), and in Dubla Char, Loitta shutki is the preferred choice (46 per cent).

The findings were presented on Wednesday at a seminar titled “Presentation of Research Results” of organised by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) at its headquarters in Shahbagh.

BFSA Member Dr Mohammad Mostafa chaired the seminar, while BFSA Chairman Jakaria attended as chief guest. Dr Md Ariful Islam, senior scientific officer at the Shrimp Research Centre under the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, presented the research findings.

Panel discussants included Prof Dr Md Tajul Islam Chowdhury of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and Dr Md Nazmul Bari, Principal Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute. Prof Dr Mohammad Shoeb, also a BFSA member, delivered the welcome address.

Jakaria stated that the research was part of seven studies undertaken during FY 2022–23. "The results reflect the researchers’ findings and not the official position of the BFSA. These do not represent the national picture, but provide limited insight. If higher levels of concern are found in preliminary studies, BFSA will propose broader research to relevant stakeholders," he said.

He further warned that the use of pesticides in dried fish would be treated as a punishable offense.

Stressing the need for clear definitions, he said, “Many practices are socially considered adulteration but may not be scientifically so. It’s crucial to define what qualifies as adulteration. The use of pesticides in dried fish should be treated as such.”

In his welcome speech, Dr Shoeb noted that certain banned pesticides are still being used in dried fish. He referenced a recent Basel Convention proposal that seeks to prohibit 10 such pesticides, two of which are currently in use in Bangladesh.

Dr Ariful Islam stated that 60 per cent of the country’s protein intake comes from fish and meat. “Most dried fish producers lack formal education, leading to improper processing. Pesticides are often used when sunlight is insufficient — typically between October and March,” he said.

He added that most pesticide use is associated with sun-drying processes. Of 260 core samples analysed, only 13 per cent contained detectable pesticide levels.

Daily per capita consumption of dried fish by region was found to be 15.72g in Cox’s Bazar, 14.48g Chattogram, 7.84g in Sunagang, 9.56g Chalan Beel, dubla Char in 12.22g.

Higher concentrations of endosulfan sulfate were detected in samples from all five regions, while smaller amounts of dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, and beta-endosulfan were also found.

Dr Nazmul Bari highlighted the widespread use of polythene in dried fish processing and called for the inclusion of microplastics in future studies. He also advocated for transitioning from traditional sun-drying methods to mechanical drying for improved safety.

Speakers noted that soaking dried fish in water or saltwater for a few hours can reduce harmful effects.

The seminar was attended by representatives from various private organisations, government agencies, civil society members, and media personnel.