Production of adulterated and sub-standard vermicelli is going on unabated in and around Rajshahi city ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
A section of dishonest factory owners and seasonal traders are producing vermicelli in unhygienic condition putting public health at risk.
City dwellers alleged that law enforcers and authorities concerned have not taken any remarkable measures to check such practices.
Currently, adulterated and sub-standard vermicelli are being produced at more than 50 factories located in BSCIC industrial area and Uposohor in the city. Most factories do not have approval from the Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI), local sources said.
Besides, some seasonal traders are also involved in such illegal activities targeting low-income consumers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the sources added.
However, dishonest factory owners and traders are using logo and title of some renowned companies to cheat consumers and do brisk business.
The factories are producing vermicelli in dirty and unhygienic conditions using sub-standard and health hazardous raw materials such as unrefined plum oil, fat, hazardous chemicals and toxic colour.
During a visit to different parts of city this correspondent found that production process was going on secretly keeping main entrance of factories under lock and key so that nobody could enter there. Workers were also seen processing raw materials with their legs without any safety measures.
Though factories have no Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institution (BSTI) license, dishonest traders run their business under protection of a section of dishonest and corrupt police officers in exchange for bribe, said Saiful Islam, a government job holder.
Authorities concerned have conducted several joint drives different in the city and fined and sealed off several factories for producing sub-standard food items, said Altab Hossain, deputy director of the BSTI, Rajshahi regional office.
“Our drives are going on. Special drives would be launched on Sunday in BSCIC industrial area that will be continued till Eid-ul-Fitr,” he added.