The New Nation - Internet Edition

BANGLADESH depends heavily on imported milk powder for children. Following the report of melamine contamination in Chinese milk powder the government of Bangladesh banned procurement, stocking and sale of three brands of milk powder imported from China. Simultaneously, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) was asked to test imported milk powder of all origins. As BSTI is not equipped with necessary facilities to detect melamine in milk powder, the Department of Chemistry, Dhaka University, was requested to conduct the test. According to the findings of the test, melamine has been found in 8 brands of imported milk powder. Countries from which these 8 brands have been imported include China, New Zealand, Australia and Denmark. Milk powder of 28 more brands are awaiting testing.

The findings of the test are extremely alarming. It appears that almost all the milk powders imported are fatally contaminated with melamine. The situation demands urgent action from the government to complete the remaining tests. There should be total ban on import of brands that have been found to be contaminated and their stocks in the country should be destroyed. Retail sellers should be prohibited from selling of milk powder without up-to-date certification from BSTI. To accelerate testing and improve the capacity for it, BSTI and other bodies should be equipped with necessary facilities without delay. To meet the shortfall in the market resulting from the ban on import and sale of contaminated milk powder, import of brands that are found safe should be arranged jointly by the TCB and the private sector. Side by side, campaign should be strengthened to encourage mothers to breastfeed babies.

The situation is not only serious but also very alarming. It demands action from the government on an emergency basis. Unfortunately, the sense of urgency appears to be inadequate so far.