KATHMANDU: Market monitors dispatched from Department of Commerce (DoC) has booked 89 wholesalers and retailers that were not found to be abided by existing law over the period of one week.

DoC, in association with District Administration Office, Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, consumer rights defenders and mediapersons had carried out a surprise check in the Valley when they found the irregularities.

Of the 297 shops that saw market monitors, 89 were reportedly caught guilty. According to the statistics provided by DOC, 13 shops were not displaying price list which the shopkeepers are required to put in a visible place to get the consumers updated with the current market price of essential commodities.

While, those not displaying signboard numbered 15 and seven businessmen were running their enterprises without getting their business registration renewed. “During six-day long checking, 10 wholesalers and retailers failed to show certification of standard and metrology and measuring tools weren’t up to the mark in three shops,” said Kamal Bahadur Thapa, monitoring officer, DoC. The market monitors also took action against five food manufacturers for not affixing the commodities with a label on it as per the Section- 9 under the Consumer Protection Act, 2054 BS. It is mandatory for the producers to clearly mention the manufactured date, expiry date, batch no., net/gross wet and ingredients in food packets. Despite regular checking and warnings over unethical trade practices, the wholesalers and retailers continue to play foul play with public health. “Yet again, we seized a huge amount expired commodities and bottled water from the shelves elsewhere,” informed Thapa. Meanwhile, five stores had not got their VAT renewed or registered Permanent Account Number (PAN).

It was not clear whether the businessmen literally abided by the directives issued to

them earlier. DoC has written the departments concerned

to take action the guilty as

per the law and said the checking will continue to strongly enforce the law.