Tihar sweet sales pick up amid concerns over quality, adulteration
Summary
Sweet shops across Nepal are preparing for strong Tihar demand, but concerns over adulteration, hygiene and rising ingredient costs are weighing on the market. Food inspectors have intensified checks nationwide, ordering shops to display ingredient lists, expiry dates and prices clearly.
Key Points
- Demand for sweets and festive gift boxes is rising ahead of Tihar, though shop owners say sales are still below previous years because of floods, landslides and weaker purchasing power.
- Food inspectors have stepped up monitoring of 497 sweet shops nationwide and ordered businesses to disclose ingredients, oil or ghee used, expiry dates and prices.
- The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control says it may fine businesses that fail to meet food safety standards under the Food Act and consumer protection laws.
- Rising prices of milk, khuwa, sugar, ghee and dry fruits are pushing up sweet production costs and nudging prices higher.
