Policy innovations for improving food safety in Bangladesh – a mixed method study

Abstract

Food safety has become a growing governance and public health concern in Bangladesh, affecting consumer confidence, export competitiveness, and overall quality of life. Despite policy reforms such as the National Food Safety Act 2013 and the establishment of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), the effectiveness of food safety management remains limited due to weak institutional coordination, resource constraints, and inadequate public awareness. This thesis examines the policy innovations that aim to strengthen food safety governance in Bangladesh through a mixed-method study combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Primary data was collected through interviews with policymakers, regulators, producers, and consumers, complemented by secondary data from government and international reports. The analysis identifies three key dimensions of reform: (1) institutional collaboration and regulatory integration; (2) technological innovation, including digital monitoring and traceability; and (3) multi-stakeholder participation to ensure accountability and sustainability. Findings indicate that while Bangladesh has made progress in establishing a legal framework for food safety, enforcement remains inconsistent across agencies. Innovations such as risk-based inspection, public–private partnerships, and awareness campaigns show promise for scaling up through stronger policy alignment and capacity development. The study concludes that food safety improvement in Bangladesh requires coordinated institutional reform, evidence-based policymaking, and citizen engagement to ensure sustainable outcomes.