Kathmandu, September 3
A company has been found to have been producing chocolates continuously for the past 18 years without being registered as a company. Following information received from the National Investigation Department, the Kathmandu District Police Range has sealed the chocolate factory.
The factory had reportedly been producing and distributing substandard chocolates under the label “Surya Confectionery” for the past 18 years. Security officials said the company is not registered with any government authority. The factory was sealed on August 25 and handed over to the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control for further action. According to security officials, the company had been producing and distributing chocolates in this manner since 2009.
Under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act 2024, food producers are required to register with the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control and can only distribute products after laboratory testing and certification that they meet the required standards. Surya Confectionery is said to have violated all of these procedures.
The company was found to have been distributing its chocolates across the country. The products were reportedly stored at locations including Gongabu New Bus Park, Kalanki, Koteshwar and Gaushala. The company was also found to be producing chocolates designed to resemble products made by foreign companies, apparently to mislead consumers. The prices also varied from one shop to another.
After Tekendra Karki became chief of the National Investigation Department, a Financial Intelligence Unit was established. The unit is headed by Deputy Investigation Director Uttam Khanal.
The unit collects intelligence and works to curb tax evasion, revenue leakage and other illegal activities. The unit has also gathered information on illegally operated dental clinics and hospitals, illegal tobacco warehouses and smuggling through border points in Kathmandu.
