Substandard vermicelli floods Bogra markets

Adulterated vermicelli (semai) has flooded different markets in Bogra ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Substandard vermicelli is being produced in a very unhygienic condition and widely marketed for consumers. Some businessmen produce vermicelli without following formulas set by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) with a view to earning more profit.
Sources said, there are about 150 vermicelli factories in the district. While visiting several factories at Kahalu, Dupchacia, Adamdighi, Fulbari, Atapara and Brindabonpara in the town, it was seen that workers were making vermicelli in very dirty environment. They were processing raw materials with their hands without any safety measures. Some factories stock vermicelli in unhygienic place.
Low quality flour and ghee, and burnt soybean oil etc are being used to produce substandard vermicelli. Besides, vermicelli is dried up under the open sky. Shah Ali, sanitary inspector of Bogra municipality, said most of the factories are producing vermicelli without BSTI permission.
This vermicelli is reportedly being prepared using engine oil, adulterated palm oil and different fabric dyes. Dirty bamboo sticks are used in drying up the vermicelli. Most of the labourers at the factories do not use gloves while producing vermicelli.
Vice-principal of Bogra Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Professor Dr Rezaul Alam Jewel said children are the worst sufferers of different toxic chemicals and textile dyes used in colouring the vermicelli, which might damage kidneys and liver of a person.  Ruhul Ameen, a local member of Dupcachia upazila, said no mobile court is conducted drive to control the adulteration of foodstuff. As a result, illegal traders are making brisk business.

Substandard vermicelli floods Bogra markets

Adulterated vermicelli (semai) has flooded different markets in Bogra ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Substandard vermicelli is being produced in a very unhygienic condition and widely marketed for consumers. Some businessmen produce vermicelli without following formulas set by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) with a view to earning more profit. Sources said, there are about 150 vermicelli factories in the district. While visiting several factories at Kahalu, Dupchacia, Adamdighi, Fulbari, Atapara and Brindabonpara in the town, it was seen that workers were making vermicelli in very dirty environment. They were processing raw materials with their hands without any safety measures. Some factories stock vermicelli in unhygienic place. Low quality flour and ghee, and burnt soybean oil etc are being used to produce substandard vermicelli. Besides, vermicelli is dried up under the open sky. Shah Ali, sanitary inspector of Bogra municipality, said most of the factories are producing vermicelli without BSTI permission. This vermicelli is reportedly being prepared using engine oil, adulterated palm oil and different fabric dyes. Dirty bamboo sticks are used in drying up the vermicelli. Most of the labourers at the factories do not use gloves while producing vermicelli. Vice-principal of Bogra Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Professor Dr Rezaul Alam Jewel said children are the worst sufferers of different toxic chemicals and textile dyes used in colouring the vermicelli, which might damage kidneys and liver of a person. Ruhul Ameen, a local member of Dupcachia upazila, said no mobile court is conducted drive to control the adulteration of foodstuff. As a result, illegal traders are making brisk business.