Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) has imposed a ban on the marketing of the imported milk powder item stockpiled in godowns and waiting release at ports without a test.
The BFSA authority slapped the ban claiming that it has found a high concentration of lead in the imported milk powder.
However, the national food safety regulatory agency has not taken any decision about recalling the milk powder already available in the market, reports UNB.
The body sent a letter to the commissioners of all the customs houses across the country to release the milk powder on the condition that the importers will keep those stockpiled only in godowns.
The autonomous body also sent the copies of the letter to the National Board of Revenue, Commerce Secretary and BSTI as well as BFSA Chairman Mohammad Mahfuzul Haque.
Mohammad Mahfuzul Haque said, "The heavy metal (lead) found in the milk powder is a big threat to human body, especially that of children.”
“The letter was issued to control it at the import level to ensure safe food for all,” he added.
The milk powder is imported from abroad in bulk and those were marketed after being repacked following the release from ports.
About the milk powder consignments which have already released in the market, Mahfuzul said they are yet to take any decision in this regard.
BFSA chief said the samples of all the consignments will be sent to Atomic Energy Centre, BCSIR and the Institute of Public Health to detect the contamination of lead.
Sources at the BFSA said no milk powder can be marketed until the results of the tests are found.
"Until then, the product will have to be kept at godowns and importers will have to give bonds to this end," said a source.
