The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) is mulling introducing clean food stickers for food sold along the highways by employing a mobile van equipped with emergency laboratory facilities. Technicians of the department in the mobile van will examine the quality of the food on the spot before clearing the food for consumption.[break]
DFQTC recently conducted a survey of hotels along the highway from Naubise to Mugling for the purpose. "We have conducted a snapshot survey of 224 hotels and restaurants from Naubise to Mugling," Jeevan Prabha Lama, director general of DFQTC, said.
The team checked 60 hotels and restaurants of Naubise, 50 of Malekhu and 114 of Mugling and the report has pointed out need to ensure hygenic food to passengers. "We fear that there might be lead particles in the food items which are on display, due to the lead content in vehicular fuels," Lama said.
The team also found that no restaurant and hotel in the region maintained price list for passangers and passenger bus staff were found receiving kickbacks from the eateries for bringing passengers.
Representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Transport Management were also part of the survey team that was formed at the initiation of a secretary of the Prime Minister´s Office. "It was a joint effort and our office co-ordinated the team," Lama added.
The team has submitted the report to the secratery of the Prime Minister´s Office. Lama revealed that the DFQTC has already asked donor agencies to provide mobile vans equipped with lab facilities. "Donors have taken our request positively," she said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Commerce (DOC) also has planned to introduce directives to regulate the hotels and restaurants along the highways.
"We are going to organize awareness campaign along the Prithvi Highway in early January. We will also take the campaign to other highways in the future," DOC Director General Anil Kumar Thakur said.
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