Bangladesh Food Safety Authority warns against unlabelled rose and kewra water in food due to health risks
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The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) has issued a stern warning against the use of rose water and kewra water in food items, citing serious concerns over the presence of hazardous, non-food-grade chemicals. The regulatory body cautioned that many products labeled as “food grade” contain unidentified chemical compounds, with some instances involving chemicals intended for kidney dialysis.
The BFSA’s crackdown follows investigations into production facilities, including a mobile court operation conducted on November 11, 2025, in the Mitford area of Dhaka. Inspectors discovered various flavorings and chemicals at a production site that lacked proof of their suitability for human consumption. Subsequent investigations led to another facility in the Basherpool area of Demra, where the entity Haiko Consumer Products was fined 200,000 BDT for producing rose and kewra water using harmful chemicals typically utilized in medical dialysis. The agency has since ordered the seizure of these substances and the immediate withdrawal of the products from the market.
Regulatory officials have raised significant objections regarding product labeling. Under the Packaged Food Labeling Regulations 2017, food-grade fragrances must clearly specify whether they are “approved natural,” “approved artificial,” or a mixture of both, including the appropriate chemical index or INS number. However, many products currently on the market merely list “pure water” and flavorings, preventing consumers from identifying the origin or safety of the ingredients.
Mohammad Anwarul Islam Sarkar, a member of the BFSA’s Law and Policy Department, explained that while these products are staples in dishes like biryani and polao, they are often manufactured with industrial chemicals rather than herbal extracts. He noted that some manufacturers insist their products are not intended for human consumption—sometimes claiming they are meant for religious rituals or funeral rites—yet they refuse to label them as “non-food grade.”
The BFSA emphasized that the presence of a “food grade” label alone does not guarantee safety. Under the Safe Food Act 2013, the use of unauthorized additives and improper labeling constitutes a punishable offense. The authority is now targeting restaurant owners, bakers, and catering services, while planning training programs for professional cooks to eliminate the use of these dangerous substances in food preparation.
Professor Mohammad Iqbal Rouf Mamun of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka suggested that the regulator must mandate that manufacturers clearly label their products as “not for consumption” if they claim they are not intended for food use. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for rigorous scientific research and testing of samples from various producers to provide a clearer picture of the risks to public health.
The BFSA has advised the public to refrain from purchasing or using rose or kewra water that lacks comprehensive, verified labeling. Consumers are urged to scrutinize product details and ignore the “food grade” claim unless it is supported by valid, transparent documentation.
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