Peak time for vermicelli makers
Vermicelli, locally known as "Shemai" is a dish that's ever-present in every household during Eid.
Due to which, as Eid approaches, vermicelli workers of the port city are passing busy days, making the item.Chaktai, Rajakhali of Khatunganj is well known as a hub of local vermicelli. There are two types of vermicelli -- Laccha and Bangla. Bangla vermicelli is made using flour and water and Laccha is produced with oil or ghee, flour, sugar and water.SM Harunor Rashid, a leader of Chaktai Silpo and Traders Association, said there are around 10 to 15 vermicelli factories located in Chaktai, Rajakhali and Khatunganj areas.
Earlier, around 20 factories had produced vermicelli at Chaktai, said sources.
During a recent visit to Rajakhali fire service area, this correspondent saw workers in several factories making vermicelli. It was being dried on the factory rooftops.
Md Jalal, a wholesaler at Khatunganj, said every day around 30kg of vermicelli are being sold on average.
However, a group of unscrupulous producers are manufacturing sub-standard vermicelli ahead of Eid to make extra profit, alleged traders.
According to local sources, some factories are using unrefined palm oil and animal fat to produce Laccha vermicelli while hazardous chemicals and colours were also used to make the food items. Apart from that, the factory environment is also unhygenic, they alleged.
Contacted, Anisur Rahman, assistant director of Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection in Chattogram, said, "The factories should maintain healthy and hygienic conditions issued by the sanitary inspectors. We'll soon start conducting drives in this regard."
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