Mobile courts in Chattogram fined four commercial establishments a total of Tk 105,000 after a joint inspection uncovered adulterated and unsafe food products, a move officials say will help protect shoppers and improve local food safety. The operation in the Bahaddarhat area was led by Faiz Ullah of the National Directorate of Consumer Rights together with officials from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution, and inspectors found businesses using expired food colours, not showing expiry dates, omitting price labels and using harmful chemicals in food items. The teams also noted poor hygiene in production areas, which can raise the risk of sickness for people who buy and eat the products. Officials say the fines and public checks aim to encourage shop owners to follow clear rules and to make sure food on shelves is safe and labelled properly. During the drive, inspectors closed or fined the four establishments after spotting repeated or serious faults, and authorities called on other retailers to improve standards to win customer trust. Consumer protection leaders pointed out that clear expiration dates, honest price tags and good production practices are simple steps that shops can take to keep food safe and avoid penalties. Small businesses that follow these steps can keep shoppers and build steady sales, while places that cut corners risk fines and loss of reputation. Community groups and customers can also help by checking dates and asking for receipts and labels, and by reporting doubts to local consumer offices. Officials said such mobile courts are a practical tool to reach busy markets and to act fast when violations are found, since many problems happen in small production units that supply shops nearby. The action shows authorities are watching food quality and that enforcement can bring quick results when teams work together across agencies. Traders were reminded that training in hygiene and simple record keeping often makes a big difference, and that investing a little in safe packaging and clear labels pays off over time. The hope is that regular checks, combined with public awareness, will push more vendors to raise standards and make everyday food safer for families. The recent fines send a clear message that protecting the health of shoppers matters, and officials say they will keep carrying out drives to support consumer safety and fair business practices. Inspectors noted safe food protects children and older people most, and urged a mix of fair enforcement and practical support such as short hygiene training, starter kits for clean packing and access to approved ingredients so vendors can upgrade affordably. Officials said cooperation between agencies and traders will make markets safer, preserve jobs and keep customers returning and strengthen local food systems for lasting benefit.
