62 Industrialists in Madhesh Province Face Action for Producing, Selling Substandard Food

Madhesh Province has seen 62 industrialists and traders face legal action for producing and selling substandard food products. The Food Technology and Quality Control Office filed cases against them in various district courts and district administration offices under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2081.

According to Office Chief Bimal Kumar Dahal, 51 cases were filed in Bara and Parsa, seven in Mahottari, three in Sarlahi and Rautahat, and one in Dhanusha. Additionally, five more cases are being processed against industrialists and traders in Saptari, Siraha, and Dhanusha for violating food safety standards and adulterating food products.

The office collected 4,559 food samples from various districts in Madhesh Province during the fiscal year 2082-83, of which 35 samples showed adverse results, and 10 cases were filed. The office also conducted pesticide tests on 510 fresh fruits and vegetables and 310 sanitation surveillance during the same period.

For the promotion of food safety, the office conducted 60 inspections in Dhanusha, inspecting 250 hotels and restaurants. During this period, 121 industries were issued licenses, 307 industries were renewed, and 347 industries were recommended. The office collected revenue of Rs 38,36,170 from services such as sample testing, licensing, renewal, and industry recommendation.

In Ashar, the inspection team found irregularities in 12 hotels and restaurants in Dhanusha, resulting in a fine of Rs 4,20,000 under the Consumer Protection Act, 2075. Similarly, 17 hotels in Sarlahi were found to have irregularities, resulting in a fine of Rs 6,67,000.

The office has confiscated and destroyed expired, unlabeled, rotten, and other inedible products during inspections and monitoring, in the presence of concerned stakeholders.