BSTI cannot avoid responsibility

It’s shocking that two important organisations would reach contradictory conclusions about the quality of a food item as essential as milk. In the first instance, researchers from Dhaka University made a shocking revelation that they found traces of detergent and antibiotics in packaged milk. Conversely, a recent report submitted to the High Court by Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) said its tests did not detect any harmful substance in pasteurised milk of 14 brands. Such contradictory findings only serve to undermine confidence in public institutions and create confusion in the minds of consumers.

The BSTI seems to be in reverse gear after it had released another report, less than two months ago, that found 52 food items out of 406 in 27 categories to be substandard. One wonders if the backlash that the first report had generated has something to do with its see-no-evil-hear-no-evil approach in the most recent instance. The BSTI should understand that consumers depend on it to know which food is safe for them and which is not. It affects their food choices and is critical to their health and wellbeing. I urge the government to take necessary steps in this regard as soon as possible.