BSTI cracks down adulterated products, 49 withdrawn amid Ramadan

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has intensified operations against adulterated and substandard food amid the holy month of Ramadan, withdrawing 49 products from the market and summoning the respective manufacturers.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Industries on Sunday (March 1), Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman said products commonly used for Iftar and Sehri — including fruit drinks, syrups, puffed rice, dates, soft drink powders, pasteurized milk, edible oils, ghee, noodles, and semai — are under heightened scrutiny.

Out of 750 samples tested, 701 met quality standards, while 49 were found adulterated. One factory was sealed for distributing substandard edible oil, and fines totaling BDT 1.32 million were imposed on various companies.

Over the past seven months, 103 factories and petrol pumps have been sealed, 1,470 mobile courts conducted, and BDT 35.85 million collected in fines.

BSTI said mobile courts and surveillance will be further ramped up during Ramadan to prevent cheating in product weight, measure, and quality.

Joint operations will involve BSTI, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Dhaka Metropolitan Police, and district administrations.

Manufacturers have been warned against marketing counterfeit products. Adulterated or fake items will be destroyed, legal action taken, and supply chains traced.

BSTI also called on consumers to remain vigilant and prioritize safe, quality food during the Ramadan period.