India, Jan. 29 -- To ensure the micronutrient intake of the people of Bangladesh, the fortification of edible oil with vitamin A was made mandatory in 2013. This was undoubtedly a milestone in addressing vitamin A deficiency and protecting public health. In our country, edible oil is typically marketed in transparent plastic bottles, as consumers prefer to see the color of the oil before purchasing. However, many are unaware of the health implications hidden behind this transparent plastic packaging.

Whether in shops or kitchens, these transparent plastic bottles of edible oil are almost always exposed to light. Vitamin A, when mixed in edible oil, gradually degrades upon exposure to direct sunlight, indirect light (semi-dark conditions)...