Mahbubur Rahman Khan
Consumtion of formalin mixed milk carries the risk of Kidney troubles, cancer, liver diseases and gives rise to any other health problems according to medical experts.
A syndicate of milk traders uses formlain in domestic liquid milk to preserve milk and milk products for a long period.
Sweetmeat producers and sellers across the country are the main buyers of the artificially preserved milk, according to some wholesaler.
In Dhaka city there are 15 wholesale milk outlets. These are mainly located at Keraniganj, Narayanganj, Demra, Fatulla, Merul Badda, Uttara, Tongi, Savar, Dhamrayl and Mirpur.
Formalin is a saturated solution of formaldehyde, water, and typically another agent, most commonly methanol. In its typical form, formalin is 37% formaldehyde by weight (40% by volume), 6-13% methanol, and the rest water.
Diseases caused by formalin mixed milk claimed the lives of thousand and still many are suffering from the diseases according to experts.
Kidney specialist Dr MA Samad told New Nation that the effectiveness of formalin in human body remains same whatever be the foods. “Therefore, the probability of death after the consumption of formalin mixed product is cent per cent”, said the kidney specialist.
Pregnant women are dangerously vulnerable to formalin mixed foods. They are also at risk of giving birth to physically challenged children.
Abu Zafar Mahmud Professor of Dhaka University said that human nerve becomes gradually dormant after the intake of formalin mixed milk or sweets. There is no alternative to establishing Food and Administration for preventing the consumption of poisoned food and milk. “Government will be benefited by it. It will also help to monitor food and medicines”, he noted.
Mostafizur Rahman of Chemist of Environment Bureau said formalin mixed food could be preserved for long time. “Cow milk becomes tainted within few hours of collection. That is why a syndicate of milk traders mixes formalin in milk.”
Md Azmol Hossain, Director General, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) said that they are looking at the matter seriously.
Earlier BSTI conducted drive when the mixing of formalin in milk was proved.
Courtesy: nation.ittefaq.com
