Water Industry Fined for Non-Compliance with Standards

Kathmandu. A water industry in Gokarneshwor, Kathmandu has been found to be filling jars with water against standards. Based on complaints received from consumers, the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control found this fact during an inspection of 'Bluepine Mineral Water' located in Gokarneshwor Municipality-8. During the inspection, as it was found that water was being filled into jars without completing the purification process, the department has halted the water jars prepared for sale. The department's complaint redressal team inspected the industry on October 17. During the inspection, the cleanliness of the industry was found to be only normal and needing improvement, the department stated. The inspection team also found that the water filling area and the jar cleaning area were located close to each other. The industry's RO and ozonation machines were found to be in operation. However, the team found that although the UV machine was in operation, water was being filled into jars without operating the machine at the time of filling. After finding that the important standard of purification was not met, the department has temporarily halted 65 jars kept ready for sale and distribution. The department has clarified that those jars have been halted in accordance with Rule 13, Sub-rule 2 of the Food Regulations 2027. The department has mentioned in its report regarding this matter, 'During the inspection, it was found that water was being filled without operating the UV. 65 jars kept ready for sale and distribution have been halted.' Stating that further investigation will be conducted on this matter, the department said, 'Samples have been collected for further investigation in accordance with the Food Hygiene and Quality Act 2081.' The department has stated that further legal proceedings will be initiated after laboratory testing of the collected samples.