Wheat scandal continues

In a surprise turn of events, the Brazilian wheat imported under certification by the ministry of food to be safe for human consumption has hit a snag. The ministry's approval is called into question by subsequent tests carried out by the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR). This comes in the backdrop of a writ filed with the High Court questioning the legality of the import and its subsequent distribution. It is appalling to think that such substandard cereal has been imported and cleared by the ministry of food and payment for which has all but practically been made. What we would like to know from the concerned ministry is how could it have given clearance to the import of wheat, found to have had "shrunken and damaged kernels" above 8 percent, according to BCSIR. 

The two foreign contractors have supplied over 150,000 tonnes of wheat which will be used for distribution on the government's different social safety net programmes and to law enforcement agencies. The flour made from such wheat is thought to be deficient in protein content. Although tests were made on eight parameters, the question that now looms large is why toxicity test has not been carried out. Such test would have confirmed whether or not the wheat is actually fit for human consumption.

The entire matter smacks of an attempted cover up, something that needs to be unraveled by the authorities. An authentic clarification is called for, followed up by action to hold those responsible for the scam accountable.