Kathmandu Food Safety: KMC & DFTQC Sign Agreement for Joint Monitoring
17th March 2025, Kathmandu
Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control have signed an agreement to ensure food safety. The partnership focuses on monitoring food businesses and testing food samples. The goal is to maintain hygiene and quality in food products across the city.
Kathmandu Food Safety
Chief Administrative Officer Nurnidhi Neupane represented KMC, while Director General Sanjeev Kumar Karn signed for DFTQC. The agreement includes joint efforts to inspect food businesses and ensure they meet safety standards. KMC will provide resources for a mobile food laboratory, and both parties will manage other tasks together.
The monitoring team will include food technologists, microbiologists, and scientists. A joint action plan will guide the inspections. DFTQC will also train KMC staff to enhance their skills in food safety monitoring.
Director General Karn expressed optimism about the collaboration. He stated that the initiative will benefit all food businesses, from small vendors to high-end restaurants. He highlighted that the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, of 2081, allows local governments to set up their food labs. KMC can now independently monitor and regulate food safety with technical support from DFTQC.
Deputy Director General Somkant Rijal noted that the joint effort will streamline monitoring processes. It will eliminate duplication and create an integrated system. This will improve the business environment and boost consumer confidence.
Chief Administrative Officer Neupane emphasized the importance of local-level cooperation. He mentioned that KMC plans to establish a food testing laboratory to strengthen food safety measures. The collaboration aligns with the Constitution’s vision of bringing state services closer to citizens.
The agreement marks a significant step toward ensuring safe and quality food in Kathmandu. Both KMC and DFTQC aim to protect public health and promote a clean food environment through this partnership.
