The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) fined 105 businesses a total of Tk 7.34 lakh during market monitoring drives conducted across Dhaka and 38 districts on Tuesday.
The drives were carried out to monitor prices of essential commodities, ensure proper display of price lists, prevent manipulation in weights and measures, stop the sale of expired food and medicines, and curb the production and sale of counterfeit and adulterated products.
The DNCRP said 52 teams conducted the operations in Dhaka metropolitan area and 38 districts across the country.
As part of the drives, the authorities also conducted special inspections at sweet shops and sweet manufacturing establishments.
Officials checked whether businesses were displaying updated price lists, selling sweets based on their actual weight after excluding the weight of packets or boxes, and using quality and approved food ingredients.
They also inspected production and sales premises for cleanliness and hygiene, while taking measures to prevent the use of harmful dyes and chemicals and the sale of stale, rotten or mould-contaminated sweets.
The DNCRP also distributed leaflets and pamphlets among consumers and businesses and issued necessary instructions to traders during the operations.
The authority urged sweet shop owners to use genuine milk, chhana and approved food ingredients in production and strictly refrain from using textile dyes, fabric colours or any chemicals harmful to human health.
Businesses were also instructed to maintain clean and fly-free premises, follow food safety and hygiene standards, clearly display production and expiry dates on packaged sweets, and refrain from charging excessive or unreasonable prices.
The DNCRP urged consumers to check displayed prices before purchasing sweets and other products and ensure that they receive the correct weight and quantity.
Consumers were also advised to check production and expiry dates on packaged food items and ensure that sweets are fresh, properly stored and sold in hygienic conditions.
The authority requested consumers not to pay more than the prescribed price and to inform the relevant authorities if they notice any irregularities.
The DNCRP said such market monitoring and public awareness activities would continue in the interest of consumers.
