KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce (DoC) today seized 10.5 Kl Pakawan brand edible oil from Balkumari of Lalitpur district in Kathmandu Valley. DoC seized 10,500 litres oil equivalent to Rs 8,40,000 on the suspicion of it being substandard, said Kamal Bahadur Thapa, inspection officer. DoC seized soyabean oil from Radhe Shyam Food Stores. The oil pouches were badly tampered with, said Thapa. According to Thapa, pouches of half-litre and 1-litre Pakawan brand oil were tampered with in the consumer instruction section. “We found the pouches had two kinds of consumer instructions — best before six months and best before 12 months.” The government has set a fixed nine-month expiry date for edible oils. However, the company’s officials seem reluctant to accept their guilt. “It is a printing mistake, so we have overwritten on the word ‘six’ in the best before six months segment,” said Madhav Dhakal, sales manager of Sri Ram Refined Oil Products Pvt Ltd, Biratnager. “Our oil is certified by the government for 12 months,” he added. The company’s owner is Atmaram Murarka. “I don’t know about it, I was surprised when the team told me about it,” said Narottam Phaiju, owner of Radhe Shyam Food Stores. It is the fault of company, he said adding that the seized oil must be disposed of for the safety of the people. DoC has issued a notice to Phaiju to prove his innocence within seven days. “I will recommend that the oil be disposed of because it is not safe for people,” said Thapa. DoC also seized 350 kg subsidized sugar from JSS Stores in Balkumari. “The shopkeeper was selling it at a higher price,” Thapa said.