The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has urged consumers not to panic over reports of microplastics in toothpaste, saying it is conducting scientific assessments and laboratory tests before determining whether any products violate national standards or pose health risks.
The regulatory body also urged consumers not to panic or presume that any toothpaste brand is toxic until an authorised authority has examined the products and officially declared them unsafe, BSTI said in a media statement.
The government agency issued the response after a study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) triggered public concern by detecting microplastics in 26 out of 34 toothpaste samples.
Microplastics are plastic particles measuring five millimetres or less in size and are usually invisible to the naked eye.
The United States became the first country to ban the intentional use of microplastics in toothpaste and rinse-off cosmetic products in 2015. Under European regulations, manufacturers have until 17 October 2027 to phase out the intentional use of microplastics in toothpaste and rinse-off cosmetics.
However, there are no specific provisions restricting or banning the use of microplastics in toothpaste under the standards of neighbouring countries such as India and Pakistan.
Globally, no universally accepted limit or standardised testing method has yet been established for the presence of unintentional microplastics in toothpaste.
BSTI said Bangladesh has a national standard for toothpaste products, although it does not explicitly restrict the use of microplastics. The standard contains a list of 81 ingredients permitted for toothpaste production, and microplastics are not included among them.
Therefore, there is no scope for the intentional use of microplastics in toothpaste manufacturing, BSTI said.
"It is not scientifically correct to conclude that a manufacturer intentionally used microplastics simply because plastic particles were detected in a test, or to assume that the product is harmful to human health. More detailed analyses are required to determine the type, source, quantity and potential health risks of the particles," the statement said.
BSTI said it has sought the research findings, testing methodology, raw laboratory data and other relevant information from ESDO, as well as from toothpaste manufacturers and importers.
"If the tests prove that any product fails to comply with Bangladesh standards or contains unauthorised ingredients, necessary legal action will be taken against the organisation concerned in accordance with the prevailing law," BSTI warned.
It added that "it would not be appropriate to declare any toothpaste brand unsafe or of inferior quality without complete scientific and legal verification."
BSTI has also initiated a review of the Bangladesh Standard for toothpaste in consultation with experts, research institutions, the Department of Environment, the Directorate General of Drug Administration, dental professionals, industry representatives and consumer organisations.
BSS adds: The High Court has ordered an investigation into the alleged presence of harmful microplastics in most toothpaste sold in the country's market and directed that a report be submitted within 15 days.
A High Court division bench comprising Justice Khizir Ahmed Choudhury and Justice Md Ziaul Haque issued a rule and directed thAe formation of a three-member expert committee, with one representative each from BUET, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), to carry out the investigation.
The court came up with the order after holding hearing on a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Md Abdullah Al Mamun. The petitioner himself moved the plea before the court.
Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said the government will take necessary steps in the public interest over the presence of microplastics in most toothpastes available in Bangladesh.
He made the remarks in response to a question at the government's regular press briefing at the Secretariat on recent activities.
Asked whether the government would take action after detection of microplastics in most toothpastes available in the local market, the adviser said the government is taking the issue of public safety very seriously.
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