The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has released a draft revised national standard for chewing gum, setting out updated requirements for product composition, safety parameters, and testing methods. The proposed standard covers various types of chewing gum products and aims to ensure consistent quality and enhanced consumer protection in the confectionery sector.
The draft specifies essential product requirements and analytical test methods, while also outlining permitted ingredient lists, guidelines for food additives and preservatives, hygienic practices, and legal compliance requirements applicable to chewing gum production. In addition, the standard establishes packaging and labeling provisions to ensure clear product identification and regulatory compliance.
To improve food safety oversight, the proposal introduces microbiological criteria and maximum limits for heavy metal contaminants. Under the draft requirements, Salmonella must be absent in the product, while maximum levels are proposed for heavy metals including arsenic (1 mg/kg), lead (1 mg/kg), cadmium (1 mg/kg), and tin (2 mg/kg). These limits are supported by internationally recognized testing methods such as BDS ISO 6579-1 and AOAC analytical procedures.
According to the technical committee, the revision aims to address stakeholder expectations, maintain market relevance, and strengthen consumer protection. The updated draft also seeks to harmonize national requirements with current Bangladeshi legislation and relevant international standards, including Codex guidelines. If adopted, manufacturers will need to ensure that chewing gum products comply with the revised safety, quality, and labeling provisions.
Consumer News Region