Authorities mandate labeling for sweets ahead of festive season

Food quality offices and district administrations in Kavrepalanchok, Banke and Kanchanpur have issued strict directives requiring sweet shops to clearly display product ingredients, pricing, and expiry dates. The move comes as demand for confectionery spikes ahead of the Tihar and Chhath festivals, with officials aiming to bolster consumer protection and food hygiene standards.

In Kavrepalanchok, the Food Technology and Quality Control Division Office in Dhulikhel has ordered businesses to ensure that raw materials, including the type of oil or ghee used, are visible to customers. According to the office chief, Manisha Chapagain, shops must also refrain from using synthetic food dyes and avoid wrapping products in printed paper or newspaper. These measures are intended to align with the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081.

Similar enforcement is underway in Banke. Assistant Chief District Officer Amar Bahadur Wali warned that any shops found storing expired goods or failing to meet hygiene standards face legal action. The Food Technology and Quality Control Office in Banke has set a deadline for compliance, with officials noting that some establishments, such as The Cake and Bakery in Nepalgunj, have already begun implementing the labeling requirements. Rupas Ojha, vice president of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that while local sweet makers are experienced, adopting standardized labeling will enhance their professional reputation.

In Kanchanpur, the District Administration Office issued a similar mandate. Assistant Chief District Officer Mohan Chandra Joshi announced that operators must clearly inform consumers about the composition of their products, specifically the fats used and the shelf life. The administration warned that failure to comply with these transparency requirements would result in penalties under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081.

These directives follow a broader push by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, which issued a notice effective from Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Kartik 11), requiring that sweets be sold with clear labeling of ingredients and pricing. Officials emphasize that these regulations are essential for maintaining public health, particularly during the festive season when sweet consumption increases significantly compared to other times of the year.