These fruits, including mangoes, were collected from different markets and shops across the country. The testing organization collected 40 fruit samples during their mobile court drives, and concluded their findings saying that none of the tested samples had any formalin in them. In different drives, BSTI and Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) along with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), destroyed 600 maund of mangoes and fined the culprit fruit traders Tk30 lakh. The BSTI lawyer told Dhaka Tribune that BSTI is not subjected to test the presence of chemicals in fruits, fishes and meats although following the HC order and considering national interest, BSTI conducted such tests. In order to protect illegal use of chemicals in fruits including mangoes, BSTI regularly conducts mobile court , while other monitoring programs are also in effect.

Source: Dhaka Tribune June 11, 2019 17:15 UTC