A Dhaka court has directed Nestlé Bangladesh to remove a specific batch of its widely consumed KitKat chocolate from the market by 21 January, citing serious concerns related to food safety and public health. The ruling clearly states that until the case is fully resolved, the disputed batch must not be sold, distributed, or marketed in any form.
The order was issued by the Food Court on Monday, 15 December, following a formal application submitted by food safety officials. According to the court’s directive, the KitKat chocolate lot identified by batch number 44399139 and production code 6294003539054 must be immediately withdrawn from all retail and wholesale outlets and subsequently destroyed under official supervision. The court further instructed that the import, promotion, and sale of this specific batch remain suspended until further legal notice.
The legal action was initiated after Dhaka South City Corporation’s Safe Food Inspector, Kamrul Hasan, raised objections regarding the regulatory compliance of the product. In his submission, Hasan stated that the identified KitKat lot was unregistered and unauthorised, and failed to meet required quality standards. He warned that allowing such a product to remain on shelves posed a potential risk to consumer health and violated existing food safety laws.
Hasan also informed the court that the chocolate batch entered the Bangladeshi market without obtaining the necessary clearance and certification from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI). According to him, the absence of proper licensing not only rendered the product unsafe but also undermined regulatory discipline within the food supply chain. He urged the court to take decisive action to protect consumers and reinforce accountability in the food business sector.
In its ruling, the court underscored the importance of safeguarding public health and ensuring that all food products available in the market comply with national standards. The decision reflects a broader trend of heightened regulatory oversight, particularly concerning imported and branded food items that enjoy widespread consumer trust.
Nestlé Bangladesh has reportedly begun making arrangements to comply with the court’s instructions. Company sources indicated that steps are being taken to identify, collect, and remove the disputed batch from the market, followed by its disposal in accordance with legal and environmental guidelines.
Food safety specialists have welcomed the court’s intervention, describing it as a timely and necessary measure. They emphasised that strict enforcement of food safety regulations is essential for maintaining public confidence and preventing potentially harmful products from reaching consumers.
Meanwhile, consumers have been advised to exercise caution. Members of the public are urged not to purchase or consume KitKat chocolates bearing the specified batch number and production code. Those already in possession of the product have been encouraged to hand it over to the nearest relevant authority, contributing to broader efforts to ensure food safety and protect public health across the country.