Does food safety governance in Bangladesh include the urban poor? An analysis of government strategies and policies for the retail food environment in Bangladesh, 2013–2022

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of food safety policies on urban poor's food shopping practices in retail environments in Bangladesh. While national food policies focus on food access, they often overlook food safety in informal settlements. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a review of national policy documents, interviews with shoppers, and stakeholder surveys, we identified strengths and weaknesses in Bangladesh's food safety governance. The analysis shows that while policy documents acknowledge consumer concerns, key weaknesses include unclear roles of local government, unspecified timelines, ambiguous budgets, inadequate monitoring, and lack of cohesive societal transformation planning. These shortcomings potentially render policies ineffective and erode public trust. Stakeholder analysis highlights scepticism about current policies addressing food safety for the urban poor, emphasising the need for distinct, urban-focused policies. We recommend reassessing and restructuring retail food policies to enhance stakeholder engagements, prioritising the urban poor's perspectives, and implementing strategies that address diverse socio-economic groups. This approach is critical for advancing food safety in urban Bangladesh and other Global South countries.