Dhaka Metropolitan Police has decided to set up formalin-testing booths at prime kitchen markets in the capital within a week to check the presence of the harmful chemical in food items.
The initiative was declared by DMP Commissioner Benazir Ahmed yesterday while addressing a discussion on food safety organised by Saarc Cultural Society at the National Press Club in the afternoon.
He said: “The booths will be set up within seven to ten days at 236 kitchen markets so that the customers and the retailers can test the food for formalin at a minimal price.” He did not, however, mention the cost.
The commissioner said police would provide the testing kits and engage some university level students to test the food items at the booths. “The DMP will also seek support and cooperation from government and non-government organisations to make the campaign a success.”
The DMP chief said around 600 tonnes of formalin were being imported every year, though the demand at factories was a maximum of 50 tonnes a year.
“The extra chemical is illegally used in fruits and for other purposes. Some traders are involved with the illegal business,” he added.
He said: “We have already identified at least 38 institutes who import formalin and will keep an eye on their movements.”
“We have seen that traders mix formalin not only in the local fruits but in imported food items as well. This process is being done after import, so police will set up check posts at land and sea ports,” he added.
The recent drives against formalin by the DMP drew huge criticism and even the fruit traders went on strike as the formalin testing kits were allegedly defective and were not meant for testing formalin in foods.
However, the DMP had denied the allegations.
The discussion was chaired by Saarc Cultural Society President Syed Abu Hossain Babla and State Minister for Labour and Employment M Mujibul Haque Chunnu spoke at the occasion, among others.