Editorial
Tough punishment in the works
Formalin Act being prepared
AFTER years of advocacy by media, consumers may at long last be looking forward to a piece of good news. According to the draft Formalin Control Act, 2013 that has been prepared, the unauthorised possession, production, import and distribution of the dreaded industrial-grade chemical formalin, could result in imprisonment up to 10 years and a maximum fine of Tk5lacs.
Even the minimum sentencing of at least 5 years should discourage the wholesale usage of formalin as preservative in foodstuffs. What is interesting to note is that, according to the draft, repeat offenders found guilty of using formalin could end up receiving heavier sentences up to 15 years' imprisonment.
The enactment of the law is expected to take place after it is shared with various stakeholders including consumer groups, health practitioners and civil society in general. The Act if promulgated into law would go a long way in addressing the misuse of industrial chemicals in the food chain which has raised health risks exponentially.
Formalin is used in the manufacturing of particle boards, plywood, disinfectants, and in mortuaries, to name but a few. While many developed countries have banned the use of formalin in agriculture, its widespread application is a sordid reality in Bangladesh. According to doctors, the substance destroys the immune system of the human anatomy which could cause brain and blood cancer. It is imperative that the draft Act be enacted into law in the current session of parliament without any further delay.
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