A REPORT carried by The New Nation on Saturday detailed how the production of adulterated and sub-standard vermicelli is going on unabated across the country ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. A section of dishonest factory owners and seasonal traders are producing vermicelli in unhygienic conditions putting the public health at risk. The report said that so-called vermicelli factories just behind the bakeries and confectioneries are producing sub-standard vermicelli like Sada Semai (white vermicelli), Lachchha Semai and Ghiye Bhaza Semai (butter oil-fried vermicelli) openly; but there is none to bring them under regulations. These unscrupulous businessmen usually target the lower income people who would consume it at lower prices. People from the lower income bracket will suffer from consuming this substandard vermicelli, which is quite insensible in a civilized society.
Vermicelli is a common item in most houses during Ramzan and in particular on Eid day. Almost all households in Bangladesh prepare various dishes of vermicelli on Eid day. But the vermicelli that people are buying from the marketplaces is not safe enough for eating. Some factories are producing vermicelli in dirty and unhygienic conditions using sub-standard and health hazardous raw materials such as unrefined plum oil, fat, hazardous chemicals and toxic colour. Workers knead the dough used in making the item with their foots. Many of such factories dry vermicelli under the open sky in dirty places where stray dogs, cows, cats etc defecate and roam about freely. To allure the consumers, the dishonest producers seal the item in colorful packets and market them in cities and rural areas. They even use brand names for their products. This dishonest corrupt business practice is going under the very nose of law enforcers. Though these factories have no Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institution (BSTI) license, dishonest traders run their business under protection of a section of dishonest and corrupt police officers under cover of mutual gains arrangement. It is also irritating that unscrupulous businessmen use fake seals and stickers of BSTI and cheat people by supplying low quality vermicelli. Such business – from production to marketing – of adulterated food-stuff is now a business as usual in the country. How such malpractices continue without any hindrance is really a matter to be worried. What is more horrifying is that the Industry Ministry, more so the BSTI, is rather unmindful of this public health hazard.
According to experts, consuming these dyes can be lethal, particularly for the children as it can even cause cancer and kidney damage. These chemicals can also harm the nervous system of children. In this context the civil administration at district level should move forward by conducting mobile court across the country as BSTI has no intention to get rid of these unprincipled businessmen who are flooding market with substandard vermicelli. Government must not think otherwise except to ensure food security and public health as well.
