Cox’s Bazar, an international tourist destination that welcomes thousands of tourists daily, is also known for its bustling street food scene along the beach. However, the lack of proper food safety, hygiene practices, and regulatory oversight in this sector has posed serious health risks to both tourists and locals.
To address this concern, a coordination meeting on “Hygiene Promotion and Safe Food Sales Laws” was held under the Healthy Street Food Project of the Rights-based Marine Tenure Project (RMTP) implemented by COAST Foundation. The meeting brought together representatives from the Beach Management Committee, the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Cox’s Bazar Municipality, the Fisheries Research Institute, and local street food vendors.
Held on the morning of June 26, the meeting focused on four core issues: improving the standard of street food in the beach area, maintaining cleanliness, preparing and serving food safely, and proper enforcement of food sales laws.
Officials from the Food Safety Authority explained the 15 key rules under the Safe Food Act, compliance with which would allow vendors to operate sustainably and legally. Both the District Administration and the Beach Management Committee assured continued monitoring and supportive roles at the field level.
Street food vendors, on the other hand, face real-world challenges, including a lack of designated selling zones, inadequate waste management infrastructure, limited access to free training, and shortages of health-compliant equipment. Despite these challenges, they expressed strong willingness to adopt hygienic practices—if given proper training and support.
The meeting also proposed mandatory use of aprons, hair covers, gloves, and dustbins to maintain hygiene, and initial discussions were held on introducing a legal registration and licensing system for street vendors.
This coordination meeting not only served as a vital platform for dialogue and understanding among government bodies, NGOs, and vendors but also represented a significant milestone toward establishing a safe and hygienic street food culture in Cox’s Bazar.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
