Nepal Orders Recall of Dabur Honey Over Substandard Quality
21st May 2026, Kathmandu
In a major blow to one of the country’s most recognizable fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands, the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) has issued an immediate market recall for a specific batch of Dabur Honey produced by Dabur Nepal.
Nepal Orders Recall Dabur Honey
The government’s quality watchdog ordered the swift withdrawal after rigorous laboratory testing revealed the honey sample failed to meet the required national food quality and safety parameters.
Why Was Dabur Honey Recalled?
According to official laboratory test reports released by the DFTQC, the recalled batch (Batch No. NB00477) manufactured at Dabur Nepal’s plant in Jitpur Samara was found to contain 50 milligrams of Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) per kilogram.
The maximum limit mandated by Nepal’s food standard guidelines is 40 milligrams per kilogram.
What is HMF and Why Does It Matter?
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is an organic compound that forms when sugar-containing foods are heated or aged improperly.
A high level of HMF in honey is a core scientific indicator that the product has either been:
Overheated during the processing phase.
Stored incorrectly under high temperatures.
Allowed to become excessively old before distribution.
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While not an immediate fatal toxin, food analysts warn that consuming substandard food items with distorted chemical compositions can pose serious long-term health risks to consumers.
Enforced Under the New Food Hygiene and Quality Act 2081
The directive to halt sales, distribution, and consumption of the affected batch has been strictly enforced under Section 38(2) of the newly enacted Food Hygiene and Quality Act 2081 (2024).
Under this updated regulatory framework, Nepal has significantly tightened its grip on food processing compliance. Companies found guilty of manufacturing or distributing substandard food items now face harsher punishments, including up to six months of imprisonment and a maximum fine of Rs 300,000.
The department has warned all local distributors, wholesalers, and retail grocery outlets across Nepal to clear their shelves of the prohibited batch immediately.
Separate Warning Issued Against Magnesium Glycinate
Alongside the honey recall, the DFTQC issued an additional blanket warning to the food and supplement industry regarding unauthorized ingredients.
The department has strictly prohibited businesses from manufacturing, importing, selling, or distributing any general food products that contain magnesium glycinate.
The authority reiterated that magnesium glycinate is a regulated dietary compound and its unapproved integration into standard food items violates national safety laws. Any business found ignoring this directive will face immediate prosecution.
Tightened Market Surveillance in Nepal
The action against Dabur Nepal comes amidst a broader, aggressive market surveillance campaign by the government. Within the same week, the DFTQC also flagged and recalled specific batches of Nova Ice Cream after tests revealed inappropriate levels of total bacteria, coliform, and Enterobacteriaceae counts, making them unfit for human consumption.
DFTQC Spokesperson Bal Kumari Sharma emphasized that the department will maintain uncompromising stance on food safety, warning that strict monitoring, random sample collections, and prompt legal actions will continue to safeguard public health across the country.
For more: Nepal Orders Recall Dabur Honey
