Even though he runs a small grocery shop in Mirpur, Khalilur Rahman prefers to buy food items for his only daughter from a slightly upscale department store. He believes that higher-priced, well-known brands offer healthier options for children. Similarly, Saleha Chowdhury, a resident of Poribag, opts for pricier brands for her child. But these two are not alone: parents across the city increasingly seek safer and more nutritious food for their little ones, associating brand reputation with quality.
However, recent investigations have revealed a shocking reality—many so-called “premium” products are adulterated. Items parents buy with confidence for their children often contain harmful substances. Popular powdered milk, a staple in many households, is being produced using cheap adulterants known as ‘hoye powder’, while genuine dairy content is minimal. Laboratory tests have shown alarming results; for instance, a sample of Goalini Daily Full Cream Milk Powder contained only 17% actual dairy content, with the remaining 67% consisting of adulterants.
Authorities found that inexpensive adulterated powder is being sold in flashy, attractive packaging. Despite court rulings, those responsible often escape severe punishment, leaving consumers unaware that their children are being fed substandard products. Many imported and locally produced children’s foods fail to meet official standards, highlighting systemic weaknesses in regulatory enforcement.
Laboratory Test Results: Goalini Full Cream Milk Powder
| Component | Expected Standard | Found in Sample | Adulteration % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy content | ≥76% | 17.08% | 67.44% |
| Dairy fat | ≤42% | 7.58% | 34.42% |
| Dairy protein | ≥34% | 9.50% | 24.50% |
| Acidity | ≤18% | 13.14% | – |
| Moisture | 5% | 4.11% | – |
Tests also revealed discrepancies in other imported brands such as Danone, Danish, Nestlé, and Starship powdered milk, with adulterated ingredients detected in all. Even products displaying the BSTI (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution) logo were found to be fake or non-compliant. BSTI officials have now introduced QR codes on packaging to help consumers verify authenticity.
The judiciary has taken action in some cases: the Special Metropolitan Magistrate ordered the withdrawal of substandard Goalini products from the market and imposed a fine of BDT 300,000, while the company chairman admitted guilt in court and promised to remove adulterated stock.
Public health experts warn that prolonged consumption of adulterated food poses serious risks for children, including kidney problems, impaired growth, and delayed brain development. Dr. Md. Aktar Imam of the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council emphasises that both government enforcement and parental vigilance are essential to protect children from long-term harm.
Zakaria, Chairman of the Bangladesh Safe Food Authority, stated that field-level monitoring continues, with around 1,500–2,000 samples tested annually. Efforts are underway to expand laboratory capacity, strengthen inspections, and act against both domestic and foreign manufacturers distributing adulterated children’s foods.