KALAIYA, JULY 4 The Food Technology and Quality Control Division Office in Birgunj has stepped up market inspections in Bara to ensure food safety and protect consumer rights. A joint inspection team comprising officials from the Food Technology and Quality Control Division, District Administration Office, Nepal Police and other agencies inspected more than a dozen hotels, restaurants, canteens and sweet shops in Kalaiya on Friday. Office chief Suresh Singh said businesses were instructed to maintain hygiene, protect food from dust, smoke and insects, avoid using banned food colours, refrain from reusing cooking oil repeatedly and stop selling expired products. He said previous inspections in Nijgadh and Prasauni had resulted in fines against several water and ghee industries for violating food safety standards. The office warned that negligence in matters affecting public health would not be tolerated and said regular market inspections would continue.