Substandard foodstuffs destroyed

KATHMANDU: The government officials today destroyed a huge amount of substandard foodstuff and tampered with packets of commodities seized from wholesalers and retailers in the Valley.

Chandan Masala, cardamom, dried grape, Ananda Marie biscuit, spices, bread, Dhara Mustard Oil (batch no 22), Bigul and Tej brands of mustard oil, GoGo detergent powder, Soyabean, BMC Masala, Koseli Junar Squash, Berry Grape Juice, Seti Chilly Juice were destroyed in the premises of the Department of Commerce.

Talking to The Himalayan Times, Kamal Bahadur Thapa, section officer and DoC inspector, said the substandard commodities were seized in a bid to curb unethical trading practices. "We were compelled to take a harsh action since ordinary inspection and monitoring failed to curb the sale of substandard and date-expired foodstuff," he added.

"The drive will help the government fight the crime and ensure the consumer rights," said Pramod Koirala, senior food researcher, Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC).

The substandard products were destroyed in the presence of officials from Department of Commerce, Regional Directorate of Post Office, District Administration Office, DFTQC, consumer rights defenders and mediapersons.

Earlier, the inspectors destroyed 11 jars of Anamol brand water, 30 bottles of Clinic Clean and 10 jars of Oxy Fresh mineral water seized from stores in Satdobato, Lalitpur. They also hauled 500kg of subsidised sugar from Kharibot Mini Store for allegedly selling it at Rs 70, against Rs 53 per kg.

Similarly, during an inspection yesterday the officials destroyed foodstuffs worth Rs 50,000 on the spot. "They were seized from New Shrestha Kirana Store, in Balaju," said Thapa.