Adulterated drink factories thrive in Ramadan peak demand

An adulterated drink factory in Jinjira on the south of Buriganga River_11zon

Keraniganj, March 9 – As Ramadan progresses, markets are witnessing a surge in counterfeit and adulterated food products, particularly fruit juices and glucose drinks manufactured in Jinjira – a Dhaka suburb infamous for producing fake goods.

From machinery and automobile parts to cosmetics and food items, Jinjira has long been associated with counterfeit production, earning the dubious reputation of being the country’s hub for imitation products.

With demand soaring during the holy month, unscrupulous traders are flooding markets with these adulterated items, posing severe health risks, especially for consumers in rural areas.

Despite repeated warnings from health experts about the dangers of consuming such products, enforcement efforts have remained inadequate, allowing this illicit trade to persist.

Health Hazards of Adulterated Drinks

Medical professionals have raised alarms over the serious health implications of consuming counterfeit drinks.

Dr Rozina Amin, Associate Professor at Sir Salimullah Medical College (Mitford Hospital), said, “Adulterated drinks containing artificial colours are extremely harmful. They primarily damage the liver and kidneys while also reducing insulin levels in the body.”

She warned that such drinks are particularly dangerous for children due to their excessive sugar content.

Advising consumers to be cautious, Dr Amin suggested, “Homemade juices prepared with fresh local fruits are a far safer alternative during Ramadan.”

Illegal Factories Operating Without Oversight

A visit to areas such as Gadabag, Muktir Bag, Amirbagh, and Shubhda in Keraniganj reveals that illegal factories are operating in cramped, unhygienic conditions.

Workers, often without gloves or hairnets, are seen bottling counterfeit juices. With fans switched off to prevent powdered drink mix from scattering, the suffocating environment leaves workers drenched in sweat.

Shakil Ahmed, a manager at one such factory, insisted they had clearances from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and environmental authorities. However, when asked to provide documentation, he failed to do so.

He admitted that the factory lacked a laboratory but dismissed health concerns, saying, “The weather in Bangladesh is very good. Everything gets digested here. We have been selling these products for years without complaints.”

Lack of Stringent Action

Although previous raids by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and mobile courts had temporarily disrupted operations, these factories have swiftly resumed production, exploiting the absence of sustained enforcement.

Local sanitary inspector Shahinur Rahman acknowledged receiving reports about these illegal factories, often set up in rented flats, but stressed that raids require the presence of executive magistrates.

“The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) has been informed and necessary actions will be taken soon,” he added.

UNO Rinat Fauzia reaffirmed the gravity of the issue, stating, “Producing adulterated food is a serious crime. We will conduct raids promptly to shut down these illegal operations.”

Jinjira’s unchecked counterfeit industry highlights the persistent challenges in tackling food adulteration. With public health at stake, experts stress the urgent need for coordinated action between regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and the community to ensure food safety and protect consumers from harmful products. - UNB