Kathmandu, September 27:

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) has stepped up vigil and quality control measures in the market, keeping in mind high level of food consumption and supply of food items during Dashain and Tihar.

Demand and supply of food items are massive during the festivals, especially during Dashain and Tihar, said Uttam Kumar Bhattarai, director-general of the DFTQC. “When the demand is high, adulteration is likely. To prevent the supply of substandard food items, food inspectors ought to be extra vigilant compared to regular days,” he told this daily.

There will be frequent market visits and sample collection. Mainly the samples of highly-demanded items will be collected. Bhattarai added that food supplies, mostly in loose packs, are likely to get tampered during this period.

Festivals like Dashain and Tihar are all about feasting. While meat items consumed on Dashain, sweets are the order of the day for Tihar. “We’ll be focussing on oil, ghee and sweets that are consumed in great quantities during this period,” said Chandra Subba, senior food research officer, DFTQC.

Officers from the DFTQC and food inspectors will pick random samples from markets and food industries and test them for quality.

There is an established system for food inspection in the DFTQC. Food inspectors collect samples randomly or acting on suspicion. These samples are handed over to the public analyst.