 |
|
| Kathmandu, Wednesday February 26, 2003 Falgun 14, 2059. |
|
DFTQC sues 15 companies
By Milan Mani Sharma
KATHMANDU, Feb 25 : Department of Food
Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) has filed cases against 15 food industries
including high profile fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) producers for supplying
sub-standard and adulterated products during the first half of the current fiscal year.
The companies against which the department filed
the case include three mineral water companies, two noodle manufacturers, two biscuit
producers, two dairies, one chocolate producer, one tea industry and two powdered spices
companies, among others.
"The cases were filed after the lab testing
of the samples collected by the food inspectors from the market found the manufacturers
defying the quality standards specified in the Food Quality Act," said a highly
placed source at the department.
However, the number of food manufacturers
deceiving the consumers not abiding by the quality standards is still higher. "The
department is preparing charge sheets against them as well," the source stated,
adding cases against them could not be filed earlier as the department had to go through a
lengthy process.
Bisleri, Yes and Aqua Smile are three major
mineral water companies against which the department has filed cases. Products of these
companies were found to contain mesophilic bacteria count higher than the stipulated
standard.
"Mesophilic count in these products ranged
from 1,500 to 3,500 per milliliter, but as per the set standard it should not exceed 25
per milliliter," the source informed.
Although experts state that presence of
mesophilic bacteria does not affect the health, concerned officials argue that its
presence in the processed water reveals those industries’ negligence and cheating the
consumers. They even said that more mineral water companies have been found to be
deceiving consumers. "Cases against them are being prepared now," they added.
The department has filed cases against Himalayan
Dairy and Kathmandu Dairy for supplying milks containing Coliform bacteria. Inspection
revealed that the processing system of these companies was poor and the bacterial
contamination was realized in post pasteurization packaging process, the source noted. The
presence of Coliform bacteria in the milk causes diarrhea and other stomach problems.
Likewise, Nepal Biscuits Company (Nebico) and
Deurali Biscuits have been charged for using stale raw materials as the laboratory test of
their marketed products found containing acidity extract of fats. "Laboratory test
also showed these products containing higher moisture content," the source stated.
The companies against which cases have been
filed for supplying sub-standard products also include Himalayan Snax and Noodles and New
Mayur Noodles. These companies have been charged of supplying noodles having moisture
content higher than set standard. This is not hazardous to health though, added officials
of the DFTQC.
A brand of chocolate of Quality Sweets were
tested positive to inedible colour, while various products of Tulasi Spices Company were
found containing lower volatile oil than the standard, said the officials. Cases against
these companies too have been filed on the grounds of the FQA, they said.
Likewise, cases against Suddha Powdered Spices
Factory, New Mayur Noodles Company and Sakun Tea Industry have been filed for not
following the label specifications as stipulated by the Consumers Protection Act (CPA).
The CPA provisions the producers to clearly
mention the information regarding the product and its status to which the consumers have
the rights. "However, products of these companies failed to meet the
specifications," said officials at the department.
Also cases against two traders have been filed
for supplying locally produced inferior quality edible items including powdered spices.
Other Stories
|
