Adulteration awareness day at a market, Dhaka
One morning at one market: simple ways to spot formalin, dyes and spoiled fish; the complaint number handed out.
- 0/6 people
- About 4 hours
- 10
- points
About this task
Dhaka’s big wholesale and retail markets feed a city of millions. 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
0 of 3 steps doneHow to do it, in order.About 4 hours across all steps
- 1
Tell the market committee
Tell the market committee the day and what the table is for.
60 min
Not startedIn hand:Nobody yet - 2
A table and a poster
Posters and leaflets on spotting adulteration and checking dates.
120 minটেবিল, পোস্টার, লিফলেট
Not startedIn hand:Nobody yet - 3
Where to complain
The complaint numbers and website, on every leaflet.
60 minলিফলেট
Not startedIn hand:Nobody yet
What you need
- 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.
The full guide
What it takes, and how to do it
Never done this before? No matter. The cost, the timeline, who does what, whom to speak to, the day hour by hour, the risks and ready words to send are all here.
- About
- ৳1,900–4,500
- People
- 6
- Time in all
- 4 hours
- Age
- 15 or older
Best timeAny time, on market day or Friday–Saturday, 8 am to noon. Most useful in mango and lychee season (May–July) and before Ramadan.
PermissionThe market committee's consent; for a public market, tell the leaseholder or the municipality's market section too.
What it costs
Prices differ by district and season; this is a 2026 estimate. Keep receipts and put them in the proof.
| What | How much | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Leaflets (half page, with complaint numbers 16121 and 333)300Where: Print or photocopy shop | 300 | ৳2–4 |
| Colour posters with pictures (fresh vs spoiled fish, unnatural colours)3Where: Print shop | 3 | ৳150–400 |
| Small PVC banner1Where: Banner printer | 1 | ৳400–900 |
| Table and chair hire (free if the committee lends)1 setWhere: Decorator shop | 1 set | ৳0–300 |
| Water and snacks for volunteers6 peopleWhere: Grocer | 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 liaison1
Talks to the committee; defuses any dispute.
Table explainers2
Explain the signs using the posters.
Leaflet team2
Walk the market handing out leaflets; count them.
Photos and tally1
Photos; records how many leaflets went.
Whom to speak to first
Market committee president or general secretary
- Why
- They control the space and the sellers' trust.
- How
- Meet in person, give a written notice, show the poster draft.
Upazila or district food safety officer's office
- Why
- They act on complaints and can check your information.
- How
- Inform them ahead; invite someone to the table if possible.
District office of the consumer rights directorate
- Why
- The complaint line (16121) is theirs.
- How
- Confirm the number on the leaflet is right.
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.
How to take the proof
- A photo of the table and posters with the market behind.
- A photo of a leaflet handed to a buyer, not their face.
- The leaflet tally and a photo of those left.
- No photos singling out a shop.
Common first-time mistakes
- Testing goods without the seller's consent or posting a shop on Facebook.
- Setting up without telling the committee.
- A wrong or old complaint number on the leaflet.
- Only frightening people instead of teaching simple checks.
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.
Ready words to send
Copy, fill the [brackets], send.
Invitation to volunteers
Adulteration awareness day: [market], [date], 7:30 am to noon. With a table and posters we will show buyers simple ways to spot fresh fish, unnatural colours and expiry dates, and the complaint number 16121. No shop is blamed. Six people needed; food and nutrition students especially welcome. Join on the task page or tell [name].
Notice and request to the market committee
To: The President/General Secretary, [market] Market Committee, [address] Subject: Permission for a buyer-awareness information table. Sir/Madam, Our volunteer team [team name] would like, on [date] from 8 am to noon, to set up a table at [spot] in the market to show buyers simple ways to recognise fresh, safe food and the official complaint numbers. We will not target any shop or seller and will not test any goods. The poster draft is attached. If you agree, we would like to leave the posters up in the market. Yours faithfully, [name], team lead, [date]
After it is done
- Arrange for posters to stay at the market entrance.
- Another morning at the same market in three months.
- Put the complaint numbers up in shops that are willing.
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.