Can we afford pure food?
As the debate on pure food rages, we are now faced with the vital question- can the majority of the society afford pure food at all? The vicious cycle of poverty is playing an active role here. It doesn't matter what the political players say, we all know that the hapless populace of this country is compelled to live on the brink of poverty. So, for them it is not a matter of choosing cheaper soybean-oil over more expensive and healthier corn-oil or buying coarse rice instead of fine rice. Financially they are in such a marginal state that, they really cannot pay for food-items if the cost is even fractionally higher for any reason whatsoever! Thus, they do not mind if the oil is adulterated or if the rice is rotten as long as the price is within their hardy reach. As such, it is not only a case of preventing the sellers from offering such sub-standard foodstuff, but also the government has to check the general masses so that they do not go for those!
The administration has got to decide now whether the pure-food drive will be extended up to road-side eateries and small grocery shops at all-- if not, where to draw the line? We are already seeing some articles/write-ups in The Daily Star dwelling on this issue.
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