Pabna:A mobile court and a consumer rights team have penalized two establishments with fines totaling Tk 1 lakh for producing adulterated and fake milk in Faridpur upazila of the Pabna district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during a joint operation by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) and the upazila administration, one establishment was temporarily sealed off, and an individual was sentenced to 15 days in jail.
The drive revealed that an establishment owned by Shamim Hossain in the Purendrapur Uttarpara area was using hydrogen peroxide to adulterate milk. Officials confiscated 100 grams of hydrogen peroxide from the premises and fined the owner Tk 50,000 under Section 42 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009.
In another operation at Swapna Dairy Farm, officials discovered jelly, soybean oil, and a blending machine allegedly used for producing fake milk.
The operations were prompted by confidential information about the adulteration and marketing of fake milk in the area. Initial surveillance was conducted under the guise of a free medical assistance and health awareness program before the evening raid.
Following the discovery, the Faridpur upazila nirbahi officer took legal action against the establishment, resulting in a Tk 50,000 fine and a 15-day jail sentence for one person. The factory was also temporarily sealed off by the Consumer Rights Protection Directorate.
During the operation, two drums of jelly and one drum of palm oil were seized and destroyed. Police and members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-12) assisted in maintaining order during the operation.
Officials noted that the use of unauthorized substances in milk poses significant public health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
They highlighted that the health risks from contaminated food depend on the substances used and the level of exposure. Consumers are urged to buy milk from reliable sources and report any suspected food adulteration to the authorities.
The Directorate emphasized that monitoring and enforcement drives against adulterated, counterfeit, and unsafe food products will continue to safeguard public health and consumer interests. Consumers can report suspected violations to the Directorate's National Consumer Complaint Centre by calling hotline 16121.