BFSA decides to sue owner of 'Hakimpuri Zarda'

Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) has decided to sue the owner of 'Hakimpur Zarda' Haji Md Kaus Mia and direct to recall the product from markets as heavy metal like lead, cadmium and chromium adulteration was found in the smokeless tobacco.  

BFSA chairman Syeda Sarwar Zahan said, "We tested Hakimpuri Zarda in lab and several heavy metal's presence was found in it which is not supposed to to be in the product.

"So, we have decided to sue the company owner in Pure Food Court and alongside ask it to withdraw the jorda from markets across the country," she added.

If the company does not comply with the directives, the product would be seized by conducting mobile courts, the BFSA chief also said. 

Around two months ago, BFSA collected samples of 22 types of Zarda, Khoyer (catechu) and Gul burnt tobacco powder) and tested these in lab. Presence of harmful lead, cadmium and chromium was found in the product.

BFSA in a press conference on October 31 said .26 miligram lead, .95 miligram cadmium and 1.65 miligram chromium residues were found in per kg Hakimpuri Zarda.

Following the disclosure from BFSA, Hakimpuri Jorda owner Kaus Mia by giving Ad in different newspapers claimed that their product does not contain any harmful substances. The Zarda in which heavy metal found in lab test conducted BFSA are not of the company rather counterfeited. 

According to food safety authority, main source of the heavy metals found in Zarda is colour. Different mill and factories import these in their necessity.

Hakimpuri Zarda is polular to a huge number of people of the country but they seldom think its effects. BFSA said people are being affected by different diseases like cancer, liver, and gum disease for consuming the product for long.