Formalin to come back if mobile court drive stopped: Minister

The government has successfully stopped formalin abuse in fruits, but the bad practice will surely make a comeback if mobile courts are not conducted any more.

Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu made the apprehension at a press briefing at the conference room of Industries Ministry in Dhaka today.

The briefing was organised to inform media about BSTI initiatives taken to keep essential food prices under control during the upcoming Ramadan.

Amu said, "The High Court has declared the management of mobile courts by executive magistrates as illegal and unconstitutional. The Supreme Court's Appellate Division, however, has adjourned the HC verdict till Jul 2. We'll try to reintroduce mobile courts after the Ramadan. Or else, the bad practice of spraying formalin on fruits will surely make a comeback."

About BSTI-run mobile courts during Ramadan, the minister said, "Like previous years, BSTI's prosecution officials will also attend the mobile courts run by district administrations, RAB, DMP and APBN. As a result, transparency in court procedures will be ensured. Already, these mobile courts are in operation."

"Besides, BSTI's regional offices across the country will also run mobile courts throughout Ramadan, with the focus on drinks and food items used in iftar. Among the food items, puffed rice, banana, mango, soft drink powders, carbonated fruit syrup and fruit juice, edible oil, mustard oil, instant noodles, mineral water, dextrose, monohydrate are mentionable," he also said.

Amu said, "The abuse of formalin in fruits is now almost zero due to the continuous BSTI drives."

Source: unb