The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) has directed three food manufacturers to withdraw their specific products from the market after laboratory tests found excessive levels of preservatives that could pose risks to human health.
The food safety regulator instructed the companies to immediately recall the products and halt their marketing and distribution activities, according to a press release issued on Thursday.
Of them, the BFSA ordered the withdrawal of 'East Cake Pur Pitha Jam Filled (Intact)', manufactured by East Cake International Food Ltd, citing the use of preservative levels beyond the permissible limit.
The authority also directed East GBI International Ltd to recall its "East Baker Slice Bread Milk Jam Filled (Intact)" product from the market for the same reason.
Another product named 'Arboting Food Slice Bread Mix Jam Filled (Intact)' produced by Arboting Food Co Ltd was also recalled after tests detected excessive preservatives.
According to the BFSA, the three companies have been instructed to withdraw the products from the market and cease their sale and distribution immediately.
Excessive use of preservatives in food may pose both short-term and long-term health risks, according to public health experts.
Dr. Mohammad Mostafa, Member (Public Health and Nutrition) of BFSA told the FE that consumption of foods containing preservatives above the permissible limit can trigger allergic reactions, including skin rashes, headaches and breathing difficulties in sensitive individuals.
"Certain preservatives, such as sulphites, may worsen asthma symptoms, while excessive sodium-based preservatives can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases", he said.
He said nitrites and nitrates used in processed foods may form potentially carcinogenic compounds known as nitrosamines under certain conditions, increasing the risk of cancer with prolonged exposure.
Dr. Mostafa said excessive intake of artificial preservatives may disrupt gut microbiota, impair digestion and affect overall metabolic health.
"Children are considered more vulnerable, as researches indicate that some preservatives may be associated with hyperactivity and behavioural changes in susceptible individuals", said Dr Mostafa.
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