Public feedback sought on draft amendment to Food Sanitation Act

The Ministry of Health and Food Sanitation has made public a draft bill to amend the Food Sanitation and Quality Act, 2081. The ministry has sought opinions and suggestions on the draft from the general public, stakeholders and concerned parties.

The ministry stated that the draft was made public as required under Section 6 of the Legislation Act, 2081. The amendment was prepared after it was found necessary to align the act with the Government of Nepal's Work Division Rules, 2083. The ministry also said some provisions of the act needed to be made clearer.

The proposed amendment seeks to allow action to be taken during food testing and monitoring itself. It proposes a provision to allow immediate fines if inedible items are found being sold or distributed during monitoring. It also proposes bringing those who sell or distribute substandard food items under the scope of immediate fines.

The ministry said this provision is being introduced to make the law on food sanitation and quality more effective and enforceable. It has requested that opinions or suggestions be sent by Asoj 14, 2083. Suggestions should be sent to the email address of the ministry's legal section. According to the ministry, necessary points from the suggestions received will be incorporated to further refine the draft.