A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Institute of Fuel Research and Development. BCSIR. Dhaka and UNI-LAB for estimation of Aromatic Hydrocarbon in jute bags at a meeting held in BCSIR recently, says a press release.

Under the agreement. Institute of Fuel Research and Development will test lignum' a hydrocarbon free jute processing lubricant based on vegetable oil developed by UNI-LAB for using in jute industries in place of harmful jute batching oil (mineral oil). IFRD will also test mineral oil content of Jute bags supplied by UNI-LAB.

It is mentioned that Jute batching oil is composed of 20 to 30 per cent aromatic hydrocarbons which are carcinogenic and responsible for food contamination. If lignum' can be used in place of JBO then jute bags will be hydrocarbon free. Then it will be used in food packaging. UNI-LAB is engaged in export of Jute goods forTood-grain packaging.

Professor Mosihuzzaman. chairman, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) and Shaheed Ahmed. Managing Partner of UNI-LAB signed the MOU on behalf of their respective organisations. The MOU will remain valid for three years till December 2000.