FBCCI to introduce formalin detecting machines at city\\\'s New Market

FE Report | Published: February 16, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) will introduce formalin detecting machine at New Market in the capital next week, sources said.
The ongoing campaign of FBCCI aims at creating awareness among consumers against the deadly impact of formalin mixed with foodstuffs.
"We are going to introduce formalin dehydrate machine in New Market kitchen market next week," Vice- President of FBCCI Md Helal Uddin told the FE Saturday.
The FBCCI in cooperation with some private banks started anti- formalin campaign in the kitchen markets, and has donated formalin detecting machines in the city's some kitchen markets and other districts so far.
The FBCCI leader called upon the government to pass the draft Formalin Control Act 2013 immediately in parliament
"We call upon the government to pass the draft Formalin Control Act 2013 immediately in parliament that will help reduce indiscriminate import of the chemical," he said.
Earlier, the cabinet on November 4, 2013 approved in principle the draft Formalin Control Act 2013 with provisions for a maximum 10 years and minimum two years of imprisonment for violation of the proposed law.
The FBCCI suggested the government to stop selling formalin in the open market and give the sole authority to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) for import and marketing of the product.
"Making formalin- free market in the capital is not enough. Markets at district, upazila and union parishad levels should be freed from the toxic chemical," Mr Helal added.
He said that support from all strata of people to supplement the government's efforts for formalin- free markets is essential. Long time practices of having formalin mixed foods greatly endanger human body, according to medical science.
The kitchen markets that have already been declared formalin- free in the capital are Badamtali, Mohammadpur Town Hall City Corporation Kitchen Marekt, Kapatn Bazar, Shantinagar Bazar, Mohakhali, Malibagh, Gulshan 2, Azampur, Hazrath Shah Ali City Corporation Marekt, Mirpur 1.
Besides important kitchen markets in Manikganj, Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Dinajpur, Faridpur, Mymensingh and Niphamari markets have already been declared formalin-free.