The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has ordered the withdrawal of eight product variants belonging to four companies from the market, as they failed to meet the benchmarks set by the Bangladesh Standards (BDS) during laboratory testing.
In a press release issued on Monday, BSTI stated that the tests revealed excessive preservatives, the presence of microorganisms harmful to human health, and deviations from the prescribed standards in these products.
Consequently, the respective companies have been ordered to withdraw these items from the market.
According to BSTI, the mango pickle of Fresh Garden Agro Resources was found to contain preservatives exceeding the permissible limit.
Additionally, the Rotondo hazelnut coated chocolate ice cream was found to contain total milk solids non-fat higher than the level set by the Bangladesh Standards.
On the other hand, harmful microorganisms were detected in several products of Olive Bangladesh Limited, including its Labanya brand milk skin lotion, alvera skin lotion, olive and Labanya brand Facewash Moringa+Matcha, foaming milk & tulsi, and Labanya brand alvera shampoo.
Furthermore, the Mango and Orange variants of Soft Drink Powder under the Dekko Fruit Funda brand of Dekko Foods Limited were found to contain less Vitamin C than the required levels stipulated by Bangladesh standards.
BSTI stated that rejection letters have already been issued to the concerned companies regarding these failed products.
At the same time, directions have been given to suspend the production, sale, and distribution of these specific items until their licenses are renewed or re-approved.
BSTI will closely monitor whether this directive is being properly implemented.
The agency warned that strict legal action will be taken against the non-compliant companies under existing laws if the directive is violated.
BSTI added that ensuring product quality in line with national standards is the legal and moral responsibility of every licensed institution.
The agency remains determined to take necessary administrative and legal measures to safeguard public interest and consumer rights if companies fail to uphold this responsibility.
BSTI director general (secretary) Kazi Imdadul Hoque stated that BSTI is committed to ensuring that the public can purchase quality products.
He also urged consumers to promptly report to the agency any complaints regarding product quality, adulteration, fraud, or the misuse of the BSTI certification mark.