Steps taken to test microplastics in toothpaste and essential products: Industries Minister

Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said steps have been taken to test for the presence of microplastics and harmful ingredients in essential products including toothpaste, and to determine national standards on the matter.

The minister informed parliament on Wednesday, September 2, in response to a notice of attention from Member of Parliament Selina Sultana. He said the government is seriously reviewing claims made in a recent study by a private organisation regarding microplastics in toothpaste. However, he noted that the study did not provide a framework for identifying the source of microplastics or regulating them .

The minister stated that BSTI is closely monitoring the matter to prevent public confusion or unnecessary panic based on incomplete research findings. An expert technical committee comprising university teachers, scientists, dental experts, physicians and consumer rights representatives has been formed . The committee has already held several meetings, and under its supervision, samples have been collected directly from the market and manufacturing factories for testing by BCSIR .

The minister said Bangladesh's existing national standards do not directly prohibit or include microplastics, which are a relatively new environmental and health concern . BSTI lacked the necessary equipment and laboratory facilities for microplastics testing, but the procurement process has begun, along with work on setting national standards .

Based on scientific findings and expert opinion, the government has decided to ban the intentional use of harmful plastic microbeads, make ingredient disclosure mandatory, and incorporate testing methods into national standards . However, the minister noted that further research is needed to determine acceptable limits .

In response to supplementary questions, the minister confirmed there is currently no fixed national standard for microplastics, and steps are being taken to determine acceptable levels while procuring necessary equipment. Regarding making test results public, he said a decision would be taken in consultation with stakeholders. The minister also said legal action will be taken under existing laws if tests find unauthorised ingredients or deviations from BSTI standards .