Irregularities Found in Kageshwari Manohara and Gothatar Water Industries; 149 Non-Compliant Jars Destroyed
Summary of the Report
Editorially Reviewed.
- The Food Technology and Quality Control Department inspected four water industries in Kathmandu and destroyed 149 old and damaged jars that were used in violation of standards.
- Among these, Ocean Drinking Water Industries in Gothatar was found operating without renewing its license, using a broken pipeline.
- The department collected water samples from three industries and sent them to the laboratory, advising all to improve infrastructure and cleanliness.
May 24, Kathmandu – The Food Technology and Quality Control Department has intensified monitoring and enforcement actions across various water industries in Kathmandu.
During inspections conducted in the Kageshwari Manohara and Gothatar areas, the department identified four water industries operating below standards and destroyed 149 old, damaged, and broken jars, officials confirmed.
According to the department, the industries were found filling water in cracked and damaged jars, had not renewed their operating licenses, and showed significant negligence in the infrastructure and sanitation of their production facilities.
Under the Food Hygiene and Quality Control Act 2024 (Nepali year 2081), water samples were collected from three of these industries and sent for laboratory testing.
What enforcement actions were taken?
Ocean Drinking Water Industries, located in Gothatar–7, was found operating without renewing its food license. The inspection also revealed broken pipelines and usage of jars from other companies.
The department destroyed 73 old, damaged, and cracked jars at this site. After collecting water samples, the industry was instructed to visit the office within seven days to present corrective measures.
At the Bhadrakali Water Industry Complex in Kageshwari Manohara–7, the department noted cracked tiles outside the jar filling room and potential accumulation of water during the rainy season.
They destroyed 41 old and crushed jars there and directed repair and maintenance to prevent water stagnation. Water samples were also collected from this industry.
At Manohara Food & Beverage Pvt. Ltd. in Kageshwari Manohara–7, Biregaun, it was found that the same room was used for both washing jars and filling water.
This posed possible contamination risks, so the department ordered separation of the jar washing and water filling areas. Nineteen old jars were destroyed and water samples taken for testing.
Similarly, 16 old and damaged jars were destroyed at Siddhakali Aqua Water Industry in Kageshwari Manohara. Additionally, the mandatory UV light equipment essential for the water filling area was found missing; immediate installation was ordered.
With market demand for bottled water high, the department has tightened oversight after discovering that industries were filling water into non-compliant jars and neglecting sanitation standards.
The department noted that further enforcement actions will proceed upon receipt of laboratory reports from the collected samples.