March 13, 2014
Bangladesh detects pig DNA in imported feed ingredient
Rezaul Karim, Senior Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) has revealed that Bangladesh scientists have detected DNA of pig in imported ''meat and bone meal'' used in fodder, poultry and fish feed.
Country''s import policy prohibits imports of pig meat and bones.
Karim said that he collected animal feed samples of 22 brands from different bazaars of the country to conduct the research and found pig DNA in seven of them.
According to the study report, Propak, Pungas Grower and Jasso Port are among the seven feed brands.
Karim said the feed are used for cattle, poultry and fisheries. He said four scientists carried out the research at BCSIR laboratories in Chittagong and Rajshahi in the last three months.
The Section 17 of the Import Policy (2012-2015) says that certificates issued by ''appropriate authorities'' of the exporting countries stating that the goods are free from swine by-products have to be produced before they are unloaded from ships.
Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) Director Taher Jamil said the scientific research organisation usually did not conduct any tests on animal
feed.
According to the Department of Livestock Services, ''meat and bone meal'' for feed is generally imported from Paraguay, the Netherlands, Australia and India.
Director General of the directorate Shahidul Islam said that they don''t allow the unloading of goods without any tests.
BCSIR Chairman Prof Ahmed Ismail Mostafa said that there was no error in their tests and claimed that the scientific research body maintained international standards during their tests.
General Secretary of Animal Health Companies Association (AHCA) Nazrul Islam said cows and pigs are a major source of ''meat and bone meal''. He demanded punishment for those who imported ''meat and bone meal'' with pig by-products in feed. He, however, said the pig bone meal was mostly used in poultry feed as it helped broiler chickens grow up fast.