Commerce Minister GM Quader has said the government is contemplating to enact a law to strictly monitor formalin import and check its indiscriminate use with food items that causes damage to human health.

"We can't fully impose restriction on import of formalin considering its necessity in industrial and research purposes. But we will enact a law to stop indiscriminate use of formalin to fruits, vegetables, fishes and other foodstuffs," he said at formalin de-hydrate machines handing over ceremony at Malibagh kitchen market in the capital Wednesday.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) organised the programme as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent unscrupulous traders from selling foodstuffs mixed with formalin to the customers for their petty interests.

Acting president of FBCCI Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu delivered the address of welcome.

Social Islami Bank Ltd has donated three formalin de-hydrate machines to the kitchen market, facilitating the traders to sell formalin- free fruits, vegetables, fishes, meat and other food items to the customers.

The commerce minister said that the government would not only properly monitor formalin importers but also will keep vigil where they sell it.

The commerce minister said the machines those were given to the kitchen market are highly sophisticated and could serve the interest of both traders and consumers.

News: The Daily Financial Express/Bangladesh/20-Sep-12