No BSTI standards for energy drinks, Amu tells JS

There is no BSTI standard for energy drinks in the country, Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu told Jatiyo Sangsad on Tuesday, reports UNB.

Controlling the standard of energy drinks is out of the purview of BSTI, he said, replying to a tabled starred question from MA Latif (Awami League - Chittagong).

The minister said the energy drinks are not among the government-fixed 155 products, for which taking certificate from Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) is mandatory.       

"Energy drink is not an item under soft drinks class."

He informed that following the receipt of complaints about the use of various highly addictive chemicals, including caffeine and opium, in the energy drinks, BSTI requested the Narcotics Control Department to take measures in this regard.

Responding to another starred question from Sanjida Khanam (Women Seat-24), Mr Amu said all the fifteen state-run sugar mills except Carew & Co (BD) Ltd are unprofitable organisations.