Food Technology and Quality Control Office to File Cases Against 19 Traders for Food Adulteration

Hetauda – The Food Technology and Quality Control Office, Hetauda, is preparing to file cases against 19 traders on charges of food adulteration. The move follows market monitoring activities and laboratory testing of collected samples conducted by the office and its subordinate divisional offices, which revealed various irregularities.

According to office chief Binita Pokhrel, investigations are underway to file cases under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act against the concerned traders based on the shortcomings identified through inspections and sample analysis carried out so far in the current fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26). She said the office has been coordinating with government attorneys for legal proceedings. However, due to disruptions caused by the Gen-Z movement, cases could not be registered in court earlier, but they are expected to be filed within the next few days. In the previous fiscal year 2081/82, the office had filed cases against 44 traders.

Pokhrel further informed that traders found involved in practices harmful to public health—such as food adulteration and selling expired products—will face cases in the respective district courts. In the current fiscal year so far, the office has analyzed 245 samples, of which 200 were found fit for consumption, while five samples were kept on hold.

During the same period, a total of 365 samples were tested, and 16 were found substandard. As per regulations, legal action will be initiated, re-testing will be conducted where necessary, improvements will be ordered to meet standards, and traders will be warned and made to commit to compliance.

Additionally, during inspections, monitoring, and implementation of court verdicts, the office confiscated and destroyed 311 kilograms of inedible goods worth Rs 102,265. These included expired products, items without proper labeling, and spoiled food materials.

So far in the current fiscal year, the office has inspected and monitored 121 food markets, 100 food and feed industries, and 56 hotels and restaurants. The office has also collected revenue amounting to Rs 1,004,370 under various headings during this period.