Food Safety Inspections Intensify before Festivals

Sabika Shrestha

As festivals approach, authorities have found an increase in the sale and distribution of expired, unsold and adulterated food products in the Nepali market.

During the months of July and August, authorities tested 994 food samples and found 63 containing substances that could be harmful to human health.

The highest number of cases was found in milk and dairy products, with 53 cases identified.

Similarly, four of 52 processed drinking-water samples were found to have problems. Two cases each were detected in salt, pulses and legumes, and spices, while one case was found in tea, coffee and beverages such as Coca-Cola.

Sanjeev Kumar Karn, Director General of Department of Food Technology and Quality Control saidthe department took action against 142 industries and businesses for food adulteration last year.

Ahead of this year’s festival season, it has deployed three inspection teams daily in Kathmandu Valley.

However, the department says a shortage of manpower has prevented it from carrying out inspections as extensively as required.

Under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act 2081, food adulteration can carry a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to one million rupees.

Selling or distributing expired food products can result in up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.