Staff Correspondent, Gazipur:

A mobile laboratory equipped with modern testing equipment and necessary facilities has been launched in Gazipur district to prevent food adulteration and contamination and ensure food safety.

The mobile laboratory was inaugurated on Monday (August 10) in front of the Kaliakoir Upazila Administration Office in Gazipur by Kaliakoir Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) A. H. M. Fakhrul Hossain.

Members of the Upazila Safe Food Management Coordination Committee, the Safe Food Officer, the Upazila Safe Food Inspector, and staff members of the district office were present at the event.

The mobile laboratory will enable the immediate testing of samples of various foods and food products. These include fruits, vegetables, turmeric powder, coriander powder, chilli powder, ghee, honey, milk, salt, molasses, various types of pulses, fish, meat, and other food items.

Following the inauguration, samples of various food products were collected from Kaliganj Market and tested immediately using the mobile laboratory. At the same time, food traders were made aware of the importance of selling safe and quality food. Traders were instructed not to sell substandard food products, and notices were issued where necessary after informing the Upazila Administration.

Officials concerned said the mobile laboratory would play an important role in ensuring food safety in Gazipur district. It will help quickly assess the quality of food products and make it easier to identify adulterated and contaminated food.

Food safety awareness campaigns, market monitoring, and the collection and testing of food samples will continue regularly through the mobile laboratory.