DHAKA: The High Court summoned Dr Shahnila Ferdous of National Food Safety Laboratory (NFSL) at the Institute of Public Health to appear before it and submit report on pesticides and antibiotic found in cow milk. 

The High Court bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Km Hafizul Alam Wednesday (May 15) passed the order.

Deputy Attorney General AKM Amin Uddin Manik moved for the state while Advocate Syed Mamun Mahbub for the ACC, Advocate Mohammad Faridul Islam stood for Safe food authority, Sarker M.R. Hasan for BSTI.

Later, Amin Uddin Manik said the HC, in its order on February 11, asked Professor Dr. Shahnila Ferdous, technical manager of NFSL, to submit the report within 15 days. 

But she has not yet submitted the report to the court. For this reason, the High Court today asked her to appear before it along with report on May 21, he added. 

According to a report published by a national daily on February 10, a study conducted by the National Food Safety Laboratory of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has found in raw cow milk excessive levels of lead, regular consumption of which is harmful to human health.

Following the day, the High Court directed ACC to enquire about the adulteration of milk, curd and cattle feed and to take legal action against those found responsible.

The court also ordered the authorities concerned to form a probe body to identify the individuals and businesses involved in adulteration of dairy products and cattle feed in three months.

Later on May 8, as per previous HC order, Food Safety Authority BFSA submitted a report on formation of a 16-member committee to find out those behind the adulteration of milk, curd and cattle feed.

Later, the court ordered BFSA to report on those found responsible for adulteration of milk, curd and cattle feed before it by May 15.

BDST: 1525 HRS, MAY 15, 2019
RS/SMS