Bid to maintain food quality

Kathmandu, August 4:

With a view to check the flow and use of substandard food items, the Department of Food technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) will soon conduct consumers’ awareness and inspection

campaign in 12 remote districts.

As substandard food items are found mostly in rural areas across the country, this campaign is needed to curb the problem, said Nawaraj Dahal, food researcher and public analyst (Food and Feed) at the DFTQC.

Five regional offices of the DFTQC will conduct two campaigns each in two respective districts and the DFTQC itself will conduct two campaigns in Dhading and Kavre, Dahal said.

Food inspectors will be sent to the districts to check the quality of the food products available in the market randomly with help of the local administration and concerned stakeholders.

According to Dahal, the food inspectors will demonstrate food-test kits before the locals. Labels and manufacturing dates of the packaged food items will be checked. Inspectors will also spread awareness regarding the heath hazards of the substandard food items.

“Consciousness on the food quality has increased among urban people but rural people lack the same,” he added.