For years, dishonest producers have been mixing sugar, hydrogen peroxide, soda, artificial colors, and alum into date-palm and sugarcane molasses to increase profits, according to local traders. They say genuine molasses does not fetch fair prices in the market, prompting many to resort to chemical adulteration.
The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection reported that officers conducted a raid on Wednesday morning in Shahapur of Arani in Bagha. There they discovered factories producing molasses without any date-palm sap, instead using coloring agents, lime, and hydrogen peroxide. Tests found no trace of natural sap in the product, while sugar content was unusually high.
Ibrahim Hossain, the Rajshahi divisional deputy director of the Directorate, said that five factories were penalized during the operation, each receiving a fine of Tk 50,000. He added that enforcement drives and awareness initiatives will continue to combat adulteration.
Following news of the raid, factory owner Asadul fled the scene. His wife, Laki Khatun, admitted that they do not use date-palm sap and instead rely on “sugar molasses,” which they supply to various areas including Gopalpur and Lalpur in Natore.
Major Mustafizur Rahman, deputy commander of RAB-5, said they had long received information about adulterated molasses production at these factories. The products, he noted, were being marketed despite containing harmful chemicals. He confirmed that similar operations will continue.
Upazila Health Officer Ashaduzzaman warned that consuming molasses contaminated with sugar, hydrogen peroxide, soda, and synthetic dyes can lead to kidney damage, liver complications, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
