Imported food items

WE have been so worked up with startling mobile court revelations, from time to time, about the depths to which food adulteration sank that the need for mounting vigil over imported foodstuffs hardly ever possibly crossed our mind. Otherwise, how could BSTI logo could be used in a merchandise without obtaining clearance certificate from the standards institution or even registering with the Institute of Public Health and Nutrition (IPHN) which is obligatory for those marketing any infant and baby food in particular.
Actually, the banned three infant formula brands had been marketed without authorisation from IPHN. At the same time, another Chinese full cream milk brand named 'Coast' was imported and marketed by a company which had neither obtained safety clearance from BSTI (it used the latter's label all the same) nor mentioned the country of its origin on the packet.
To our mind, this is just the tip of the iceberg; the instances can be multiplied. Thanks to the melamine episode, it has focused our attention on the role that the two watchdog bodies -- the IPHN and BSTI -- haven't been playing in terms of ensuring food safety and thereby protecting the most fundamental of consumer interests.
The exposure of scandalous indifference to public health shown by the designated authorities has spurred on something of a hyper-activity on their part in a bid to make up for their lost image. We believe, however, that any seasonal effort or ad hoc step could at best be a palliative and blowing some hot air at worst amounting to sweeping the festering maladies under the carpet. We need to face the crisis head-long.
People would like to know how many importers who procured harmful products have had to account for their misdeeds. And, perhaps, they couldn't have done so with impunity had the officials meant to checkmate them not colluded with them in the first place. The punishment prescribed in the law is not punitive enough, far less deterrent. When they know, if caught, they would have to pay a fine or endure a prison sentence which is far outweighed by the lure of millions, it is the second option they are likely to settle for.