Check Food Adulteration Practices

Festivals are an integral part of Nepali culture, celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Nepal, a country known for its vibrant festivals and rich culinary heritage, often witnesses a surge in unhygienic food preparation practices during festive seasons. While festivals bring joy and togetherness, the lack of proper food safety measures poses a significant threat to public health. However, amidst the festivities, there exists a sinister practice that threatens and compromises the health and well-being of the people with food adulteration. 

There are alarming issues of food adulteration during festival time in Nepal, particularly causes, consequences, and the urgent need for stringent measures to combat this menace. Let us talk about some of those issues. One of the primary reasons behind unhygienic food preparation practices during festivals is the lack of awareness and education among food vendors and consumers. Many individuals involved in food preparation are unaware of basic food safety principles, such as proper handwashing, storage, and cooking temperatures. The demand for various food items skyrockets during festivals, leading to an increase in prices. Some unscrupulous traders exploit this opportunity by adulterating food products to maximize their profits. 

Inadequate infrastructure

Lack of awareness on the part of consumers plays a crucial role. Many consumers are unaware of the potential risks associated with consuming adulterated food. This lack of awareness makes them vulnerable to falling victim to unscrupulous practices. Another crucial factor contributing to unhygienic food practices is the inadequate infrastructure in food preparation areas. Temporary stalls and makeshift kitchens are set up during festivals, often lacking proper sanitation facilities and clean water supply. This creates an environment conducive to contamination and the proliferation of harmful bacteria, posing a severe risk to public health.

The regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms in Nepal are often insufficient to effectively curb food adulteration. This allows dishonest traders to operate with impunity, endangering public health. Therefore, enforcing stricter regulations and standards for food vendors during festivals mandates priority attention. Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure compliance with hygiene practices and penalties imposed for non-compliance. There are several consequences of food adulteration. The first and most important is health hazards.  Adulterated food can have severe health consequences, ranging from food poisoning to long-term illnesses. 

Festivals, which are meant to bring joy and happiness, can turn into nightmares for those who consume contaminated food. It erodes the trust between consumers and producers. When people lose faith in the quality and safety of food products, it undermines the entire food industry and hampers economic growth. Food adulteration not only harms public health but also leads to economic losses. The reputation of Nepali food products, both domestically and internationally, can be tarnished, affecting exports and tourism. The consequences of unhygienic food preparation practices during festivals can be dire. Foodborne illnesses can quickly spread, affecting a large number of people within a short period. This not only puts a strain on already overstretched healthcare facilities but also dampens the festive spirit and can lead to long-term health issues for individuals affected.

Urgent Measures to combat food adulteration necessitate strengthening already existing regulations. The government should enact stricter laws and regulations to deter food adulteration. This includes increasing penalties for offenders and establishing a dedicated authority to monitor and enforce food safety standards throughout the year. The lack of consumer awareness can lead to the spread of foodborne illnesses, causing harm to festival-goers. Comprehensive awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate consumers about the risks of food adulteration and how to identify adulterated products. This will empower individuals to make informed choices and demand quality food. 

Promoting ethical practices within the food industry is crucial. This can be achieved through certifications, such as the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which ensure that food products meet quality standards. Strengthening testing facilities in all regions of the country, thus, becomes imperative. Investing in advanced testing facilities and laboratories will enable the timely detection of adulterated food. This will act as a deterrent and ensure that only safe and genuine products reach the market.

Stringent regulations

Food adulteration during festival time in Nepal is a grave issue that demands immediate attention. Addressing the issue of unhygienic food preparation practices during festivals requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders. The health and well-being of the people should not be compromised for the sake of profit. It is the responsibility of the government, food industry, and consumers to work together to eradicate this menace. Large-scale public awareness campaigns should be carried out to educate festival-goers about the importance of choosing hygienic food vendors and equally important is to encourage individuals to be vigilant and report any unhygienic practices they observe.

By implementing stringent regulations, raising awareness, promoting ethical practices, and strengthening testing facilities, we can ensure that festivals in Nepal are celebrated with genuine joy and safe, unadulterated food. Unhygienic food preparation practices during festivals in Nepal pose a significant threat to public health. Therefore, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including food vendors, consumers, and authorities, to work together to address this issue. Let us unite to unmask the dark side of food adulteration and safeguard the health of our nation.

(Dr. Lohani is the clinical director at the Nepal Drug and Poison Information Centre. lohanis@gmail.com)