Adulterated spices flood Lalmonirhat markets
Adulterated spices, especially powdered spices, have flooded the markets in Lalmonirhat ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Mill owners in collaboration with unscrupulous traders in different areas of the district are earning windfall profit illegally by selling adulterated spices, customers said.
Locals alleged that sawdust, brick powder, and even toxic dyes are mixed with the powdered spices.
Spice trader Halim Miah at Goshala Bazar in the town said mill owners are allegedly involved in producing adulterated spices, and they sell them through unscrupulous traders. “I never sell adulterated spices. I get the spices powdered in my presence,” he added.
Azadul Islam, another spice trader, said adulterated spices are sold at low prices to attract the consumers.
There are at least 30 mills producing powdered spice in the district, but none has any document from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI).
Nazrul Islam, BSTI field officer in Rajshahi, said BSTI officials will conduct drives against adulterated spices producers with the help of the local administration.
Dr Azmal Haque, resident medical officer in Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital, said sawdust, brick powder and other inedible ingredients are mixed with spices. They can cause cancer and liver disease.
The Detective Branch (DB) of police said two producers of adulterated spices were arrested last year. They were fined and their mills sealed off in Uttara Saptana area and Goshala Bazar in the town. Large quantities of spices were destroyed during the drive, sources said.
Mizanur Rahman, sub-inspector of DB police, said if BSTI officials seek their help, DB will of course help them in conducting special drives against adulterated spices ahead of Eid.
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