Two snack manufacturers in Munshiganj have been fined a combined Tk1.70 lakh for producing raw chips intended for children using harmful synthetic colouring and industrial salt in unhygienic conditions.
A mobile court conducted with the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) on Monday also ordered the destruction of 2,500 kilograms of the products and the immediate disconnection of electricity to both factories.
The action followed inspections of Rajdhani Chips and Bhai Bhai Chips in Dashkani under Munshiganj Sadar upazila.
Inspectors found that both factories were using harmful synthetic colouring and industrial salt to produce raw chips. The products were also being sold, distributed and marketed in sacks and packaging without labels or identification markings.
The mobile court imposed the combined fine under Section 42 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act 2009.
Acting on the executive magistrate’s order, BSTI officials seized and destroyed 2,500 kilograms of chips containing the additives.
Munshiganj Palli Bidyut Samity also immediately disconnected electricity to both factories on the court’s instructions.
Munshiganj Deputy Commissioner’s Office Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Md Omar Faruk conducted the operation.
