Kathmandu, October 11
The government has taken action against Mantra Thakali (Green Tara Hospitality Pvt Ltd) in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, following a complaint that insects were found in food.
Acting on a complaint received by phone on Saturday at the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, a joint monitoring team from the department’s Rapid Response Team and the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection carried out an impromptu inspection of the restaurant.
The joint team found that food in Mantra Thakali’s kitchen was highly likely to be contaminated by insects. During the inspection, insects such as cockroaches and bugs were found in the kitchen and in the refrigerator.
The department said it also found cooked food stored uncovered, the kitchen and drainage in an unsatisfactory state of cleanliness, food items placed haphazardly in the fridge, and the kitchen dustbin left open and dirty.
The team also found fried potatoes stored on newspaper, a practice considered harmful to health.
After finding such serious lapses in the business, the monitoring team imposed an immediate fine of Rs 2,50,000 on Mantra Thakali under the Consumer Protection Act, 2075. During the inspection, the team also destroyed about 1 kg of fried potatoes stored on newspaper.
The department directed the restaurant to pay special attention to cleanliness, keep cooked food properly covered, make pest control effective and stop using newspaper to store food.
The operator has been told to correct the lapses found during the inspection and appear before the department within seven days with proof of the improvements.
The department warned that further action would be taken under the prevailing Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081, if the restaurant fails to make the corrections within the given time.
