Daffodil International University

Faculty of Allied Health Sciences => Pharmacy => Topic started by: sadia.ameen on August 22, 2013, 03:29:21 PM

Title: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: sadia.ameen on August 22, 2013, 03:29:21 PM
A researcher at Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) claims to have invented a cheap and effective way to detect formalin and other harmful chemicals in food.

The researcher, Md Faruq bin Hossain Yamin, says his unique ‘colour reaction’ test costs just Tk 1.

He said two solutions — complex-1 and complex-2 — will be used for the test.

“It is possible to trace formalin and other harmful chemicals within five seconds using these solutions,” he told bdnews24.com.

He, however, refused to disclose names of the chemicals used to manufacture the solutions, which are intellectual properties of an institution.

Yamin hoped the retail and wholesale businessmen would be encouraged to adopt the system as it cost only Tk 1 per test.

The scientist said the available instruments for such tests are expensive and often produces controversial results.

Presently, 87 kit boxes, supplied by the food ministry, are used to trace the presence of formalin. This is not enough to meet the requirements.

He said for the tests, a food item will have to be placed in clear water. From there, a single drop of water has to be mixed with the ‘complex solutions’.

“The complex solution will change colour in presence of formalin or other harmful chemicals,” he said.

“Otherwise, the solutions will retain its usual pink colour.”

Yamin said the invention is the result of six months of arduous research in addition to the work he puts into his job.

BARI Director General Md Rafiqul Islam Mandal hoped Yamin’s findings will make testing easy and dispel public fears about presence of formalin and other harmful substances in food.

He said agriculture secretary Nazmul Islam will vouch for Yamin's technology.

Mandal hoped it would be available to the public ‘soon’ after formalities are completed.

“With this technology, it will be possible to shun the use of chemicals in food items within two years,” he told bdnews24.com.(bdnews24.com)
Title: Re: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: faizun on August 23, 2013, 05:12:40 PM
Concern authority should take steps to restrict the use of formalin rather than the way to detect it. Because prevention is better than cure.
Title: Re: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: sharifa on August 25, 2013, 03:23:27 PM
Informative and necessary post.
Title: Re: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: Kanij Nahar Deepa on September 01, 2013, 02:52:46 PM
thanks..
Title: Re: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: rashedbhai on September 04, 2013, 03:29:24 PM
Very good post,thanks.
Title: Re: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: nawshin farzana on September 04, 2013, 10:49:21 PM
nice post
Title: Re: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: Saqueeb on November 05, 2013, 10:53:33 PM
nice post.
Title: Re: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: Arif on November 06, 2013, 01:30:20 PM
Informative and necessary post.....
Title: Re: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: R B Habib on November 17, 2013, 02:07:36 PM
I agree with the belief in 'prevention is better than cure.
Title: Re: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: shimo on November 18, 2013, 06:47:22 PM
Informative and instructive post.
Title: Re: Cheap and effective method to test formalin
Post by: mustafiz on November 19, 2013, 03:43:11 PM
nice post.