Detergent, anti-biotics in milk

Dhaka University researchers have found detergent and antibiotics for humans in packaged milk available in kitchen markets and grocery shops, raising serious health concerns.

The antibiotics include levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and azithromycin that are used mainly to treat bacterial infections in humans. 

The DU Pharmacy Faculty and Biomedical Research Centre came to the conclusion after testing seven samples of widely-sold pasteurised milk and three samples of unpasteurised milk.

The study also found that nine other food items manufactured and marketed by some of the top brands in the country do not meet the BSTI standards. These items -- ghee, fruit drinks, turmeric powder, dry chilli powder, palm oil, mustard oil and soybean oil -- also contain ingredients harmful to human health.