Desher Kaj
Adulteration awareness day at a market, Rajshahi
One morning at one market: simple ways to spot formalin, dyes and spoiled fish; the complaint number handed out.
Area
Rajshahi
People
6 people
Time
About 4 hours
Difficulty
Easy
About this task
In mango-growing Rajshahi, buyers worry in season about chemicals used to ripen fruit. On market day, with the committee’s consent, a table and posters: simple ways to spot adulteration, excess colour and formalin, the habit of checking dates, and where to complain. Blaming nobody: informing buyers and sellers alike.
Why it matters
Under the Food Safety Act 2013, selling adulterated food is an offence, but many buyers do not know how to spot it or whom to tell. Informed buyers change a market.
What changes after
At least two hundred leaflets handed out; the market committee keeps the posters up; the complaint numbers in the shops.
Who can join
Anyone; students of food or nutrition are especially useful.
Step by step
- 1Done
Tell the market committee60 min
Tell the market committee the day and what the table is for.
- 2Done
A table and a poster120 min
Posters and leaflets on spotting adulteration and checking dates.
- 3Done
Where to complain60 min
The complaint numbers and website, on every leaflet.
Checklist to get ready
- Leaflets · ৩০০টি
- Posters · ৩টি
When it counts as done
- At least two hundred leaflets handed out
Proof required: Photo
⚠ Safety
Accuse no seller. Do not test or take goods without the seller’s consent. If there is a dispute, leave it to the authority.
What it costs
| Leaflets (half page, with complaint numbers 16121 and 333) | 300 | ৳2–4 |
| Colour posters with pictures (fresh vs spoiled fish, unnatural colours) | 3 | ৳150–400 |
| Small PVC banner | 1 | ৳400–900 |
| Table and chair hire (free if the committee lends) | 1 set | ৳0–300 |
| Water and snacks for volunteers | 6 people | ৳80–150 |
| Total (about) | ৳1,900–4,500 | |
Getting ready, step by step
7 days before
Meet the market committee president or secretary; fix the day and the table spot.
Say clearly: no shop is targeted; we are teaching buyers.
3 days before
Finalise poster and leaflet text; check it against advice published by the food safety authority and consumer directorate.
Send to print.
Train the team: fresh fish has clear eyes, red gills, flesh that springs back.
The day before
Confirm table and chairs.
Assign duties.
The day
Table up for the morning rush; hand out leaflets.
Give leaflets to sellers too; show them the posters.
The week after
Ask the committee to keep the posters up.
Note buyers' questions and add them to the next leaflet.
Who does what
- Lead and committee liaison (1): Talks to the committee; defuses any dispute. — ____________
- Table explainers (2): Explain the signs using the posters. — ____________
- Leaflet team (2): Walk the market handing out leaflets; count them. — ____________
- Photos and tally (1): Photos; records how many leaflets went. — ____________
The day, hour by hour
- 07:30Arrive; set up table, banner and posters.
- 08:00Thank the committee representative; begin.
- 08:15At the table: fish, fruit, sweets, spice colours; reading expiry dates.
- 09:00Leaflet team walks the market; count every hour.
- 10:30Swap places, water break.
- 11:30Talk with sellers: would they keep a poster?
- 12:00Pack up, clean the spot, count leaflets given.
What can go wrong, and what to do
- A seller feels accused → Explain politely it is for everyone; if they still object, move the table and call the committee.
- A buyer reports a particular shop → Do not investigate yourselves; show them how to complain on 16121 or to the food safety officer.
- Spreading wrong information (e.g. calling home tests proof) → Say these are warning signs, not proof; only the authority's lab gives proof.
Useful numbers
- 16121Consumer rights directorate
- 999National emergency: police, fire, ambulance (free)
Questions people ask
- Where do we report adulteration?
- Complain to the consumer rights directorate on 16121 or its website; the Food Safety Authority can be told too.
- Can I join if I cannot stay the whole time?
- Yes. Say in your request which step or which hours you can do. The lead will give that step to you.