A two-day knowledge sharing workshop titled “Strengthening FSMS in FRK Factories:
Achievements, Gaps, and the Way Forward” concluded on 04 May 2026 in Rajshahi. The event
brought together fortified rice kernel (FRK) producers, technical experts, government
representatives, and development partners to review progress and define a sustainable roadmap for
strengthening food safety systems in Bangladesh.
The workshop was organized by the Millers for Nutrition Coalition, powered by TechnoServe, with
support from the Gates Foundation. It is part of ongoing efforts to enhance food fortification systems
and improve public health outcomes. The program reviewed eight months of technical support
(September 2025–April 2026) provided to FRK industries, focusing on strengthening Food Safety
Management Systems (FSMS), improving compliance with international standards such as HACCP
and ISO 22000, and enhancing overall product quality and safety.
The workshop commenced on 03 May 2026 at the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura
with an inaugural session attended by Mr. Md. Zahirul Islam Khan, Director (SDM), DG Food, as
Chief Guest. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rice fortification program and
emphasized the importance of ensuring a consistent supply of quality FRK. Government is planning
to make the Food Safety System Certification mandatory in the procurement process for FRK in
future.
Md. Guljer Ahmmed, Country Program Manager of TechnoServe, delivered the welcome address,
highlighting progress in strengthening Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and advancing HACCP
implementation. Technical sessions led by Md. Nayem Zobayer, Senior Food Fortification Specialist,
TechnoServe and Md. Mahade Hassan, Consultant, FSMS, TechnoServe presented a comparative
“before and after” analysis, demonstrating improvements in factory standards and food safety
practices.
The workshop also included practical learning components. Participants visited Ruposhi Rice Flour
& Pusti Mill in Bogura on the first day and Kamal Auto Rice Mill in Rajshahi on the second day,
where they observed standardized production processes, quality control measures, and improved
premix handling practices.
Participants expressed strong appreciation for the technical support received. The Managing Director
of Kamal Auto Rice Mill, Mr. Md. Kamal Uddin, noted that the intervention significantly improved
compliance, product quality, and food safety practices, while emphasizing the importance of
continued support to sustain progress.
Md. Anwar Hossain, Proprietor of Anwar Fortified Industry Said FSMS support has significantly improved our operations, ensuring better compliance, efficiency
and product quality.” I on behalf of all FRK millers expect this support will be continued.
Despite notable achievements, several challenges were identified, including gaps in documentation
and record-keeping, limited infrastructure, inconsistent premix handling, and weak internal audit
systems. Discussions highlighted the need for stronger management commitment, enhanced technical
capacity, and a culture of food safety within the industry.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony in Rajshahi, where Md. Afif-Al-Mahmud
Bhuiyan, Deputy Director (SDM), DG Food, attended as Chief Guest. He emphasized the critical
role of food safety in ensuring national nutrition security and the importance of sustained
collaboration among stakeholders.
Special guests from development partners, including Dr. Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman (WFP) and
Engr. Md. Akib Abrar (Nutrition International), stressed the need to transition from short-term
technical assistance to long-term sustainable industry practices.
The workshop brought together representatives from 13 major FRK industries. Participants
reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening FSMS and ensuring the production of safe, highquality fortified rice for the people of Bangladesh.
About Millers for Nutrition
Millers for Nutrition is supported by Strategic Fortification Partners: BASF, BioAnalyt, dsmfirmenich, Mühlenchemie, SternVitamin; Regional Strategic Fortification Partners: Hexagon
Nutrition, Piramal, Sanku; and a growing group of local technical partners that share a common
vision of improving food processing practices and fortification excellence to benefit society and
enhance business sustainability. Millers for Nutrition is powered by TechnoServe with funding
support from the Gates Foundation. Learn more at millersfornutrition.com.
