Drawing attention of the concerned authorities

Our body needs water for various reasons. Water helps regulate body temperature and blood pressure. It maintains hydration in the body. Throughout the day, we consume a considerable amount of water, but not all of it is pure water. Fruits also contribute to fulfilling some of our water needs. However, it's not always possible for everyone to consume fruits all the time. Many people prefer various types of beverages instead. Beverages replenish the body's water supply quickly. Among these beverages, electrolyte drinks are very popular. People all over the world consume electrolyte drinks to varying degrees. Electrolyte drinks quickly rejuvenate the body for a short period.

These electrolyte drinks contain various minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These 'electrolytes' are used to perform various daily functions in the body. Notably, they help maintain the balance of water and acids in the body, deliver nutrients to various cells, and assist in removing waste from there. Additionally, they help maintain the function of nerves, muscles, the heart, and the brain, as well as replenish depleted cells.

However, these electrolyte drinks need to be properly formulated. Otherwise, instead of providing benefits, they can cause harm. If they contain only chemical substances instead of minerals, they can be extremely harmful to the body. Therefore, special approval is required for the commercialization of electrolyte drinks. However, according to a news report published yesterday (May 19), five types of electrolyte drinks are being sold in Bangladesh without approval. Following these allegations, arrests warrants have been issued against the company owners by the court. After the issuance of arrest warrants, questions arise about how unapproved electrolyte drinks have been sold in the market for nearly three years without permission.

The Safe Food Authority states that according to Bangladesh's laws, once a product obtains a production license, production can commence. However, these companies have begun marketing their products without any approval. Simultaneously, they are advertising these products for sale. According to available information, the electrolyte drinks in question are from companies like SMC Plus, Pran's Active, Bravura Beverage Limited's Bravura, Deshbandhu, and Akij's Turbo."

Another concerning aspect is that the information on these products' labels doesn't clearly specify whether they are beverages or medicinal products. These beverages are often consumed more by children. Due to the physical exertion of individuals engaged in manual labor, such as rickshaw pullers and laborers, these beverages are readily available to them. They are also popular among young people. Many consume these beverages with the aim of quickly regaining energy. Some of these products are even sold in pharmacies. As a result, consumers may perceive these products as being of good quality; however, the question arises as to who will judge the quality or evaluate the merits of products for which there is no approval. Food inspector Kamrul Hasan informed the media, 'These establishments have commercialized these products without approval from BSTI or the Drug Administration. This poses various health risks.

There is no clear answer from the companies regarding how these products are being manufactured and marketed without approval. Eliash Mridha, the Managing Director of Pran Group, informed the media, "Due to the lack of specific standards for these electrolyte products, we were unable to obtain approval. Therefore, in January last year, we submitted a letter to BSTI requesting validation of the product's quality." Regarding approval, BSTI's Deputy Director, Mr. Riyazul Haque, told the media, "Electrolyte drinks do not fall under mandatory product categories. Therefore, we cannot grant approval.

Both the manufacturing companies and BSTI are now presenting arguments for and against, but it's the consumers who are bearing the brunt. Consumers need to be aware of issues like these and alongside, relevant authorities need to take legal measures. The relevant authorities should verify the appropriate quality of the product before allowing it to be marketed. Otherwise, the product should be removed from the market. To ensure that consumers don't fall into health risks by consuming unapproved beverages, we are drawing attention from both manufacturing companies and BSTI.