A mobile court fined a sweets shop in Rajshahi city Tk 15,000 for producing and selling yogurt and sweets without approval from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and for violating product labeling regulations. The mobile court, conducted at Shamim Sweets adjacent to the Saheb Bazar Boro Mosque, was carried out on the initiative of the Rajshahi Divisional Office of BSTI. The court found that the establishment was producing and marketing yogurt and sweets without obtaining mandatory BSTI certification. The shop was also found selling packaged products without displaying required information, including manufacturing and expiry dates.
Crackdown on Unlicensed Production
The mobile court action underscores the importance of adhering to food safety and quality standards. The BSTI's mandate is to ensure that all food products sold in Bangladesh meet specific criteria to protect consumer health. By producing and selling sweets and yogurt without certification, Shamim Sweets not only risked consumer safety but also undermined the regulatory framework designed to maintain industry standards.
Enforcement and Compliance
Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate of the Rajshahi District Administration Md. Shahriar Islam Nasif conducted the mobile court. Engineer Junaid Ahmed of the Certification Marks Wing of the BSTI Rajshahi Divisional Office prosecuted the case, with assistance from members of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of local authorities to enforce compliance with BSTI regulations and protect public health. The fine serves as a warning to other establishments to ensure they meet the necessary standards before producing and selling food products.
