RANGPUR, July 1, 2025 (BSS) - Rangpur divisional office of Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) today launched its microbiological laboratory to begin testing food, cosmetics, and other industrial items.

The microbiological laboratory will play an important role in ensuring the production of safe, germ-free, and quality products in accordance with BSTI guidelines, said a press release issued this evening.

A microbiological laboratory is a specialized facility where various types of microorganisms-such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites-are identified and analyzed.

The laboratory uses different experimental methods, including culture and microscopic examination, to detect germs in food, cosmetics, water, and other products.

Microbiological testing can identify harmful bacteria in advance, such as Salmonella and E. coli in food, and Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas in cosmetics.

Speaking to BSS, Engineer Mobin-Ul-Islam, Deputy Director (Physical) and Head of BSTI Rangpur divisional office, said that before this lab was set up, stakeholders in the Rangpur division had to send product samples to BSTI laboratories in Dhaka or Rajshahi for microbiological testing, which was time-consuming.

"From now on, stakeholders can avail microbiological testing services directly from the microbiological laboratory at BSTI's Rangpur divisional office," he added.