Fruitless juice

More and more appalling things are coming out of the government's drive against adulteration. A test conducted by the BSTI has shown that the fruit juices that are sold under different popular brand names do not actually have the slightest trace of the substance that could justify their names. Rather, chemical and non-food grade toxic colours are used as ingredients for the "fruitless juice". People drinking such juice on a regular basis expose themselves to all kinds of ailments.

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) actually did the random sampling and requested the BSTI to carry out the test. We fully endorse the proactive move which has already brought into light some mind-boggling truths of the world of food production, marketing and distribution. The goal is of course to make sure that the required standards are maintained by the food producers and sellers. But the point of concern here is the fact that the fruit juice companies that have been found to be selling substandard products were all certified by none other than the BSTI itself. It is evident that there is no effective surveillance, once a commodity is cleared by the BSTI. And there is none to shoulder the responsibility of public health being endangered so conspicuously.

So there are two areas where the government must tighten the noose. First, there should be a permanent body to monitor food production and marketing. Seasonal or occasional raids on factories, shops or restaurants are not enough, given the magnitude and proliferation of the problem of adulteration. Second, the enforcement of law has to be strict and unconditional.

Obviously, the drive against adulteration should be transformed into a united movement where all the stake holders are expected to play a positive role.

The dishonest elements responsible for pushing consumers to death through adulteration must be given exemplary punishment. However, it is also imperative that the agencies in charge of keeping things on the right track perform their duties honestly. Their failures must not be lost sight of when all eyes are set on the sellers of adulterated foods.