Dangerous molasses
Molasses, locally known as gur, is being prepared with harmful ingredients at a house at Hingerpara village in Dhaperhat Union of Sadullapur upazila of Gaibandha district.Photo: STAR
A section of unscrupulous traders are preparing spurious molasses, locally known as gur, with harmful ingredients in four villages of Dhaperhat union in Sadullapur upazila, posing serious health hazard for consumers. With rise of the prices of sugar and molasses during the Ramadan and ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr, the production of contaminated molasses has multiplied as it is selling well in different markets in the name of sugarcane molasses. Although sugarcane molasses is pricier than sugar, many rural people prefer it to prepare delicacies, especially during festivals. During a visit to Hingerpara village in Dhaperhat union, this correspondent saw a few people engaged in preparing molasses. The item was boiling in a large tray put on a stove but no sugarcane was seen around. Asked about the preparation process, Abdul Mannan, one of the workers, said the main ingredients of their molasses are liquid treacle, sugar, sodium sulphate and vegetable oil. From sugar mills, they collect liquid treacle, which is generally used with fodder and to manufacture sprit and alcohol in distilleries. "Fifteen kg of sugar, the same amount of liquid treacle, sufficient water, chemicals and vegetable oil are needed to make a tray of molasses. The components are boiled for two to three hours to turn it into molasses," said Asghar Ali of the same village. A good number of people in Hasanpara, Gobindapur and Dhaperhat villages are also engaged in production of such spurious molasses. A kg of sugar now sells at Tk 66 a kg and the same amount of liquid treacle at Tk 30. Including other components like chemicals and vegetable oil, production cost per tray of 'finished granular molasses' amounting to 30 to 35 kg stands at TK 1600 and it sells for Tk 2500 to Tk 2800 in local markets. Such contaminated molasses is harmful for human being. Its long time use can affect kidney and stomach, said Dr MS Zaman, medical officer of Sadullapur health complex. Measures will be taken against the fake molasses producers after investigation, said Jaharul Hoq, upazila sanitary inspector.
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