KATHMANDU: Aug 30: With the onset of festivities, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has intensified its market monitoring efforts.
The city imposed a fine of Rs 200,000 on an industry after an inedible object was found in an alcoholic beverage Mustang Gold, produced by Dhanusha Distillery Pvt. Ltd. According to Nurnidhi Nyaupane, head of the Agriculture and Livestock Department at KMC, the beverage — which was being sold in sealed bottles — was found to contain a fly, leading to the fine as part of the city’s enforcement action.
According to Neupane, the inspection was carried out based on consumer complaints. The department collected samples of the beverage and tested them. After the tests confirmed the presence of an inedible object inside a sealed bottle, action and a fine were imposed in accordance with the Market Management and Monitoring Act, 2018.
KMC intensifies market monitoring with onset of festive season
As per the department, the fine amount must be deposited into the KMC’s revenue account, and the payment confirmation must be submitted to the department. KMC has stated that it has adopted a strict policy of regular inspections and strict actions to ensure the quality of food and beverages being sold in the market.
The city conducted food inspections in wards 23 and 24, including Basantapur and Indra Chowk areas. During inspections the team also found usage of inedible oil in four restaurants and one sweet shop, which was then destroyed. The team also instructed business operators to maintain food hygiene, pay attention to cleanliness, avoid using frying oil repeatedly, and store vegetarian and non-vegetarian food separately.
Every year, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) announces plans to initiate comprehensive and routine market monitoring to ensure the quality of food and beverages and regulate local markets.
However, these promises rarely translate into meaningful results, aside from a few isolated actions that appear to serve more as media publicity than sustained oversight. Most residents report seeing little to no difference in market conditions before or after such inspections.
Moreover, there is a growing public perception that the local government has failed to take effective steps to control market inflation or bring about lasting improvements in consumer safety.
