The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has ordered the recall of eight product variants from four companies after they failed to meet the Bangladesh Standards (BDS) in laboratory tests.
In a press release issued on Monday, BSTI said the products were found to contain excessive levels of preservatives, harmful microorganisms, and other deviations from the prescribed standards. The manufacturers have been instructed to immediately withdraw the affected products from the market.
According to BSTI, a batch of mango pickle produced by Fresh Garden Agro Resources contained preservative levels exceeding the permissible limit.
A batch of Bellissimo Rotondo hazelnut coated chocolate ice cream was also found to contain total milk solids-non-fat above the level specified under the Bangladesh Standard.
Meanwhile, laboratory tests detected harmful microorganisms in one batch each of Labannya milk skin lotion, Labannya aloe vera skin lotion, Olive face wash moringa-matcha, Labannya foaming milk face wash, Labannya tulsi face wash, and Labannya aloe vera shampoo, all manufactured by Olive Bangladesh Limited.
BSTI also found that one batch each of Deco fruit funda mango and orange soft drink powder, produced by Deco Foods Limited, contained vitamin C below the minimum level required under the Bangladesh Standard.
The standards body said rejection notices have already been issued to the companies concerned. It has also directed them to suspend the production, sale, and distribution of the affected products until their licences are renewed or reapproved.
In the interest of public health and consumer protection, BSTI instructed the manufacturers to immediately recall the affected products from all distributors, dealers, retailers, and markets nationwide.
The agency said it would closely monitor compliance with the directive and warned that strict legal action would be taken against any company failing to comply.
BSTI further said ensuring compliance with national quality standards is both a legal and ethical responsibility of all licensed manufacturers, and it remains committed to taking necessary administrative and legal measures to safeguard consumer rights.
BSTI Director General (Secretary) Kazi Emdadul Haque said the organisation is committed to ensuring that consumers have access to quality products. He advised consumers to check the BSTI certification mark, licence number, manufacturing date, expiry date, and other relevant information before purchasing products.
He also urged consumers to promptly report to BSTI any complaints regarding product quality, adulteration, consumer fraud, or the misuse of the BSTI certification mark.
