In Nepal, food available in the market varies in cost and quality. The food we eat has a significant impact on our health. But how do we ensure we are eating healthy food?
According to the World Health Organization, every year, more than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancer, are caused globally by being unhygienic and contaminated and, 1 in every 10 people falls ill due to its consumption. This makes robust food safety governance not only necessary but urgent.
Food safety focuses on preventing contamination and health hazards, while food quality control ensures consistency, hygiene, and nutritional values throughout production, processing and distribution. Nepal’s Food Safety and Quality Control Policy ensures that food available to consumers meets minimum standards, protects public health, promotes awareness, and ensures proper inspection and enforcement.
Current Policy Framework in Nepal
Nepal’s food safety and quality policy consists of the Food Act (1966) and the Food Regulation (1970), the Consumer Protection Act (1998), and the updated Food and Hygiene and Quality Act 2081 (2024).
As per the updated Nepal’s Food Safety and Quality Control Policy, the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is the regulatory authority for enforcement, licensing, laboratory testing and monitoring compliance to standards in Nepal.
The policy mandates strict licensing of food businesses, laboratory testing and regular monitoring to ensure compliance with the food and safety standards. It encourages good manufacturing practices (GMP), good hygiene practices (GHP) and hazard analysis critical points (HACCP) to ensure compliance nationwide. According to the Food Safety and Standards Act 2081, the government is empowered to regulate food safety standards. It has mandated registration of any food industry, and it requires permits and licenses to operate any food business, production, sale, distribution, storage, and transportation of packaged food and is valid for 2-year license. The license can be suspended for non-compliance with safety standards. The policy also bans adulteration and the sale of substandard food products. If there is any offender under this act, they may face five years of imprisonment along with a fine of up to Rs 500,000.
DFTQC is responsible for regulating food safety, developing the Food Safety Measurement System(FSMS), conducting risk assessment, managing foodborne disease surveillance and many more. Provincial and local governments play a role in inspection within their jurisdiction. Whereas the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development appoints public food analysts with the required qualifications to support reinforcement. The policy allows the public to report regarding violations and has outlined procedures for investigation. The cases involving contaminated food are handled by the District court, while other related cases are managed by the Chief District Officer (CDO).
Challenges
Nepal faces multiple challenges in food safety enforcement. There is still low awareness of food safety among consumers and producers as many are unaware of food safety hazards and practices to improve food safety, especially for microbiological hazards. The licensing is mandated, which may increase the financial cost of a small business. Some small businesses may not afford the cost. Multiple government bodies (Ministry of Health, DFTQC, Department of Agriculture) share overlapping responsibilities. There is no central authority to coordinate food safety information, policies and rapid responses. Being a developing nation, it lacks resources and infrastructure for food inspection and testing. There is a struggle with insufficient and unevenly distributed laboratory facilities. There is a lack of qualified food personnel, such as food analysts and enforcement officers. Trained personnel are crucial in implementing the policy, as a shortage may lead to poor compliance with food safety regulations.
As per reports, the lack of testing facilities in Nepal has led to delays with Indian trucks carrying products at the border, which has caused financial and logistical burdens. Although Nepal’s lab tests have been recognised by the Indian Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSA), there is a delay in exporting products and ensuring that this recognition is implemented in practice.
Recommendations
To improve food safety governance and policy implementation, Nepal should focus on:
- Establish a Central Food Safety Authority
– Improve coordination among MoH, MoALD, DFTQC, and provincial/local governments.
– Create an integrated national database for real-time reporting and rapid response. - Strengthen Inspection and Laboratory Capacity
– Invest in modern testing equipment and expand laboratories at provincial levels.
– Encourage accredited private laboratories to support government testing. - Enable Micro and Small Food Businesses
– Provide subsidy-based licensing and compliance support.
– Introduce simplified regulations for micro-enterprises without compromising safety. - Conduct Nationwide Food Safety Awareness
– Design targeted training for vendors, restaurants, and small producers.
– Launch public campaigns on consumer rights and food hazard awareness.
Conclusion
Nepal’s Food Safety and Quality Policy is vital for safeguarding public health and ensuring access to safe and nutritious food. Effective enforcement, capacity building, public awareness and stronger coordination are essential to reduce foodborne risks and align Nepal’s food industry with international standards. As food production and consumption patterns evolve, Nepal must adopt a proactive rather than reactive approach. Food safety should not remain a policy intention but must translate into measurable improvements visible across households and the marketplace.