Kathmandu – The Kathmandu Metropolitan has warned entrepreneurs to strictly regulate the use of colour in sweets and other food items.
The Metropolitan issued the notice in response to reports from various media outlets highlighting the use of colours in sweets to make them more visually appealing. However, these artificial colours are found to have an adverse impact on residents’ health.
In line with the Market Management and Monitoring Act 2077, section 10(3), (tha) and the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081, section 9, the Metropolitan has instructed entrepreneurs to produce, process, sell, and distribute food items that comply with legal standards.
The Metropolitan has received complaints from consumers about businessmen using harmful colours in food items, which violates regulations. Only approved and safe colours should be used in food. To prevent such practices, the Metropolitan emphasized that businessmen must understand both their legal and moral responsibilities.
The notice states, “It is the primary responsibility of businessmen to ensure their sweets and food items are hygienic and responsibly produced.” The Metropolitan also urged consumers, businessmen, and stakeholders to produce and sell food items that meet safety standards.