KATHMANDU: The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has imposed a ban on the products of 22 industries on charges of producing food items that impact human health.

This step from the department came immediately after it had conducted monitoring of industries operating in more than 12 places in the country.

Department director-general Dr Matina Baidya said that production of 22 industries have been banned as these industries produced, distributed and sold inedible and unhealthy food items and drinking water, flouting the agreement with the Department.

However, she refused to divulge the names of the industries facing the ban, claiming action would be taken against them as per the Food Quality Act, 2023 BS, if the charges against them were proven.

The Act stipulates a fine of Rs 50,000 and up to five years of imprisonment.