Asian Biscuit Fine For Contamination: Rs. 2 Lakh Penalty After Hair Discovery

19th April 2026, Kathmandu

In a move to prioritize public health and food safety, the Government of Nepal has imposed a significant financial penalty on Asian Biscuit and Confectionery Pvt. Ltd.

Asian Biscuit Fine Contamination

The industry, located in Duhabi, Sunsari, was fined Rs. 200,000 (Two Lakh) after a consumer discovered human hair inside a packet of its popular “Digestive Nuts” biscuits.

The action follows a formal complaint lodged with the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC).

Acting on the grievance, a joint monitoring team comprising officials from the DFTQC’s Biratnagar office and the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection, Morang, conducted an unannounced inspection of the production facility.

Investigation and Legal Action

During the site visit, the monitoring team collected samples of the specific “Digestive Nuts” batch for laboratory analysis. According to Senior Food Research Officer Dr. Bal Kumari Sharma, the laboratory results and the physical evidence provided by the complainant confirmed a breach of hygiene protocols.

The authorities determined that the company had violated safety standards outlined in the Consumer Protection Act, 2075. Specifically:

The Offense: Categorized under Section 35, Clause ‘E’ of the Act, which pertains to the sale of contaminated or substandard food items.

The Penalty: Imposed under Section 39, Sub-section (1), Clause ‘B’ of the same Act.

The department has officially ordered the industry to deposit the fine into the government treasury within seven days and submit proof of payment.

To ensure transparency, the DFTQC also released photographs of the contaminated product, sending a stern warning to all manufacturers regarding negligence in food safety.

The “Biscuit People” and the Irony of Quality

Asian Biscuits and Confectionery often markets itself as the “Biscuit People,” priding itself on a unique recipe and the “finest ingredients.”

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Their corporate identity emphasizes products that are fresh, flavorful, and packed with nutritional value while remaining easy to digest.

The industry claims to follow a meticulous “Basic Recipe” for success, involving:

1. Sifting fresh news and quality ingredients together.

2. Gradually stirring until all components are perfectly absorbed.

3. Baking at expected temperatures to create various shapes using specialized biscuit cutters.

However, this recent incident of contamination highlights a significant gap between marketing claims and the reality of production hygiene. While the company encourages “expert views” and “technology” in its ingredient list, the presence of a foreign object like hair suggests a failure in the very “technology” and “quality control” they promote.

Industry Impact and Consumer Safety

This incident serves as a critical reminder for all biscuit manufacturers and equipment suppliers in the region. Maintaining a “secret flavor” is meaningless if the basic hygiene standards are compromised.

For an industry that contributes to the market through interviews, new product launches, and technological expertise, a single case of contamination can severely tarnish brand reputation.

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has reiterated that there is no room for compromise when it comes to consumer health.

The department encourages consumers to remain vigilant and report any irregularities found in packaged food products immediately.

Summary of the Case

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