As Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of Muslims, is drawing closer, vermicelli factories in various upazilas of Jamalpur have become very busy. However, some factories are producing low-quality vermicelli in an unhygienic environment, posing a serious threat to public health.
Sources said that some producers are using rotten eggs, animal fat, artificial ghee, low-grade palm oil, dalda, and flour to manufacture vermicelli in an unhygienic environment. These products are reportedly being marketed without approval from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI).
It has been learnt that such low-quality vermicelli is being produced in almost all upazilas across Jamalpur. In particular, a factory named Thiti Moni Food Bakery is allegedly producing substandard vermicelli near Bir Hatija crossing in violation of regulations. Babul Mia, owner of the factory, claimed that he has been operating the business for the past 11 years by “managing” local authorities.
Further inquiries reveal that vermicelli is being sold in polythene packets and sometimes even in open form in local markets without approval from BSTI. After meeting local demand, the products are also being supplied to neighbouring upazilas and districts.
Local residents allege that some unscrupulous traders are producing vermicelli using low-quality flour, palm oil, burnt cooking oil, rotten eggs, animal fat and artificial ghee in extremely unhygienic environments.
According to food safety regulations, vermicelli factories must maintain proper ventilation, cleanliness, and use quality raw materials. Workers are also required to wear protective gear such as aprons, headcovers and gloves. However, most of the factories reportedly ignore these rules, with workers often handling food without protective equipment and working in sweat-soaked clothing.
Islampur Upazila Health Officer Dr AAM Abu Taher warned that consuming food prepared in unhygienic conditions can lead to stomach disorders, diarrhoea, food poisoning and even long-term health complications. He noted that children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable.
Sanitary Inspector Rabeya Begum acknowledged the issue, stating that vermicelli is being produced in unsanitary conditions using low-quality oil. She said that she had already warned the producer and noted that the factory does not have a license. She also said that media reporting on the issue would help facilitate further action.
Local residents and civil society members have demanded immediate intervention by authorities concerned to prevent food adulteration ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. They called for strict monitoring to ensure that all food products in the market clearly display the manufacturer’s address, BSTI approval seal, production date and expiry date.
Without strict action, they said, joy of Eid could be overshadowed by the health risks posed by adulterated food products.