The van is expected to hit roads by April.[break]
"Once introduced, we will be able to carry out instant tests of food samples while inspecting the market and ascertain whether or not those samples contain hazardous chemicals," said Pramod Koirala, senior food technologist at the department.
Koirala told Republica that the van costing Rs 10 million will be the first of its kind in South Asia.
“The mobile van is being introduced so that we can take immediate action against those flouting the food standards. We also intend to raise awareness among consumers on the quality of food,” Koirala stated.
The van will also have multimedia equipment that will impart education on food safety measures.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is donating the van to DFTQC. The UN agency has already selected supplier through a global tender. The van is being furbished in Thailand.
The four-seater vehicle will be of the size of micro bus carry three technicians along with lab tools.
“The lab in the van can conduct only the basic tests. But we can conduct detail test later on and make consumers aware of adulteration in food commodities,” Koirala said, adding that the lab can check adulteration in edible commodities, conduct basic antibiotic and pesticide residue test, water tests and a few microbiological tests.
“As the trend of adulteration is increasing and getting more diverse, the vehicle will be of great help for us in coping up with the new challenges that are arising in surveillance activities. This will also help make inspection activities more quick and reachable,” he added.
If the mobile van becomes successful in curbing adulteration in food commodities, the department plans to acquire more such vans to monitor quality of good outside the valley as well.
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