The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) fined 80 bakery and pastry businesses a total of Tk 12.09 lakh on Wednesday during a special nationwide drive to ensure food safety, proper labelling, accurate weights and fair pricing.
The drive was conducted in Dhaka and 31 other districts by 45 teams of the DNCRP as part of its regular market monitoring programme, with a particular focus on bakeries and pastry-producing establishments.
During the inspections, officials checked whether the businesses were maintaining hygienic production and storage conditions, using approved and quality ingredients, and holding valid licences and approvals from the relevant authorities.
They also inspected packaged bakery products to determine whether the dates of manufacture and expiry were clearly mentioned in accordance with packaging regulations.
The teams checked the weight and measurement of products and took steps to prevent the use of harmful textile dyes, prohibited preservatives, excessive flavouring agents and other unsafe chemicals in bakery items.
The DNCRP said the drive also focused on preventing the sale of stale, rotten and expired products and ensuring that pastry and cream-based items were stored properly at suitable temperatures.
The 80 establishments were fined a combined Tk 12,09,000 for various irregularities detected during the inspections.
Officials also distributed leaflets and pamphlets among consumers and business owners and provided necessary instructions on food safety and consumer rights.
The directorate urged bakery owners to use hygienic and quality raw materials, maintain cleanliness in kitchens and shops, clearly display production and expiry dates, ensure accurate weights and display updated price lists at visible locations.
They were also advised to sell bakery products at reasonable prices and refrain from charging consumers more than the stated price.
The DNCRP asked consumers to check the manufacture and expiry dates of packaged food before purchasing them and to verify the weight and measurement of products.
Consumers were also advised to examine the information on packaging and ensure that food items are fresh, properly stored and sold in a hygienic environment.
The directorate urged consumers not to pay more than the stated price and to inform the relevant authorities if they observe any irregularities.
The DNCRP said similar monitoring and enforcement drives would continue across the country in the public interest.
