KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 28
Mayor of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality Surendra Shrestha has urged the public not to be misled by misconceptions regarding the use of antibiotics and hormones in the poultry sector, stating that scientific evidence has refuted such claims.
Speaking as chief guest at a programme organised in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, to mark World Protein Day, Shrestha said chicken meat and eggs are accessible, safe and reliable sources of protein. The event was organised by the Nepal Feed Industries Association in association with the United States Soybean Export Council.
"Scientific facts have already dispelled the misunderstanding that antibiotics and hormones are used in poultry production," he said, adding that awareness campaigns should be expanded to prevent the spread of misinformation. Shrestha also suggested that local governments could initiate policy discussions on including eggs in school meal programmes. He said extending nutrition awareness initiatives to the school level would make such campaigns more effective.
Delivering welcome remarks, Association President Umesh Chandra Sapkota said excessive carbohydrate intake and low protein consumption are emerging as long-term health risks in Nepali society. According to him, the average annual per capita consumption in Nepal stands at around 65 eggs and 20 kilograms of meat - figures he described as low compared to global averages.
Sapkota stressed the need to incorporate lessons on the importance of protein into school curricula to promote healthier dietary habits from an early age. Deputy Chief of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality Bijaya Shrestha said protein is indispensable for human growth and development. He noted that the programme helped clarify misconceptions about the alleged use of hormones in meat production and emphasised the need to protect and encourage small-scale farmers who face the risk of displacement.
A panel discussion moderated by poultry expert Dr Dinesh Gautam featured representatives from the feed and poultry sectors. General Secretary of the Feed Industry Association Keshav Raj Thapa said antibiotics have not been used in animal feed since 2016 and claimed there has been no compromise on product quality. He called on authorities to take strict action against any feed industry found violating government policy.
Director General of the Department of Animal Services Dr Umesh Dahal said the government has prioritised the 'Right to Protein' campaign and clarified that animal-based food products produced in Nepal are safe for consumption. Similarly, Director General of the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control Dr Matina Joshi Baidya said protein is essential from pregnancy onwards and stressed the importance of maintaining quality standards, proper storage and consumer awareness.
At the programme, USSEC Nepal representative Dr Ashesh Bhattarai presented on protein sources, daily requirements and their role in a balanced diet. The event, supported technically by the United States Soybean Export Council, was organised in collaboration with several sectoral bodies including the Nepal Poultry Federation and Nepal Veterinary Association.
Organisers said the programme conveyed a strong message on increasing protein consumption, ensuring nutritional security and dispelling misconceptions about the poultry industry. World Protein Day has been observed annually since 2020 to promote public awareness on nutrition and balanced diets.
