Nepal widens probe into contaminated food as election season masks market anomalies
Summary
Nepal's Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has expanded investigations into contaminated food products amid concerns of lax oversight during the election season, leading to recalls of several substandard food items posing public health risks.
Key Points
- Nepal's Department of Food Technology and Quality Control found 173 out of 3,394 food samples unfit for human consumption last fiscal year.
- Several batches of contaminated food and drinks, including mango drinks, tea, and processed water, have been recalled recently.
- Consumer rights activists warn that election season reduces market inspections, increasing risks of substandard food flooding the market.
- Manufacturers of substandard food face legal actions including fines and imprisonment, but enforcement is challenged by limited capacity and oversight.
