KitKat Batch to Be Removed by January

A Dhaka court has ordered Nestlé Bangladesh to withdraw a specific batch of its popular KitKat chocolate from the market, citing concerns over food safety and public health. The directive states that the disputed lot must be fully removed from circulation by 21 January, and no sale or distribution of the product will be permitted until the related legal proceedings are concluded.

The order was issued by the Food Court on Monday, 15 December, following an application submitted by food safety authorities. According to the ruling, the KitKat chocolate lot in question—identified by batch number 44399139 and production code 6294003539054—must be withdrawn from the market and subsequently destroyed. The court further instructed that the importation, marketing, and sale of this specific batch remain suspended until further notice.

The case was initiated after Dhaka South City Corporation’s (DSCC) Safe Food Inspector, Kamrul Hasan, raised serious objections regarding the product’s regulatory status. In his submission to the court, Hasan stated that the identified KitKat lot was unregistered, unauthorised, and of questionable quality. He warned that the product could be considered adulterated and posed a significant threat to public health if allowed to remain in circulation.

Addressing the court, Hasan emphasised that the chocolate had entered the Bangladeshi market without proper certification from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI). He argued that allowing such products to be sold undermines food safety regulations and disrupts discipline within the food business sector. For these reasons, he requested an immediate withdrawal and destruction of the disputed batch, alongside a temporary suspension of all commercial activities related to it.

In its order, the court acknowledged the importance of safeguarding consumers and ensuring compliance with national food safety standards. The ruling reflects a growing emphasis on regulatory oversight and accountability within the food industry, particularly for imported and branded consumer goods.

Nestlé Bangladesh has reportedly begun preparations to comply with the court’s instructions. The company has assured authorities that it will take necessary steps to collect the disputed chocolate lot from the market and arrange for its proper disposal in accordance with legal requirements.

Food safety experts have welcomed the court’s decision, noting that consistent monitoring and firm legal action are essential to maintaining public confidence in food quality and safety. They believe such measures will encourage greater compliance among manufacturers and distributors.

Meanwhile, consumers have been urged to remain vigilant. Members of the public are advised not to purchase KitKat chocolates bearing the specified batch number and production code. Those who already possess the product are encouraged to hand it over to the nearest relevant authority to support efforts aimed at protecting public health.