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Popular milk powder found 67pc adulterated in lab test, raising child food safety concerns
Published : Thursday, 23 July, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Parents often rely on well-known and expensive milk powder brands for their children, believing them to be safe and nutritious. However, recent laboratory tests have raised serious concerns over the quality of some powdered milk products available in the market, with one popular brand found to contain only 17.08 per cent actual dairy ingredients while 67.44 per cent of the product was identified as adulterated substances.
Food safety concerns have intensified after laboratory tests conducted on a sample of a widely sold daily full cream milk powder revealed significant discrepancies in its nutritional composition and dairy content.
The sample was collected by food inspectors of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and sent for laboratory examination. According to the test report, the product contained only 17.08 per cent dairy ingredients, while 58.92 per cent was identified as adulterants and another 8.52 per cent as other adulterated components, bringing the total adulteration level to 67.44 per cent.
The test also found major differences between the declared nutritional values and the actual contents of the product. The milk powder was supposed to contain around 42 per cent dairy fat, but the test detected only 7.58 per cent. Similarly, while dairy protein was expected to be at least 34 per cent, the actual amount was found to be only 9.50 per cent.
Following the findings, the Pure Food Court ordered the withdrawal of the product from the market and fined the concerned company Tk 3 lakh. A warrant was also issued against SA Group of Industries Chairman Mohammad Shahabuddin Alam. He later appeared before the court, admitted his responsibility and assured that the adulterated products would be removed from the market.
Investigators said several other powdered milk brands also failed to meet quality standards in laboratory tests. Products including full cream milk powder from Aslam Tea Company and several other brands were reportedly found to have quality issues. Cases have been filed against the importers of those products, according to officials concerned.
Meanwhile, allegations have emerged that some adulterated products are using Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) logos and QR codes on their packaging. BSTI officials said such logos and QR codes may be counterfeit in many cases and advised consumers to verify product registration and approval details by scanning QR codes before purchase.
Concerns have also been raised over the quality of imported children’s food items, including KitKat chocolates and other products. Public health experts warned that consumption of adulterated and substandard food could pose long-term health risks for children, affecting vital organs such as the kidneys and brain and hampering physical and mental development.
Dr Mohammad Akhtar Imam, Deputy Director of the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council, said adulterated food could have long-term harmful effects on children’s kidneys, brains and other important organs. He added that such food may also disrupt children’s normal physical and mental growth.
The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority said regular drives and laboratory tests are being conducted to ensure the quality of children’s food products. However, experts stressed the need for stronger monitoring and effective enforcement of laws to prevent the sale of adulterated and substandard food items.
They also urged parents to remain cautious while purchasing children’s food products and verify quality certifications to protect children from potential health risks.
-HIS
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
